For this week's Monster Army Athlete of the Week we have 20 year old BMX Sergeant Matt Lough out of New Lenox, IL. Matt is currently in his second year of college at the University of St. Francis where he's majoring in Mathematics. Despite this intimidating choice of studies Matt still rides his bike every chance he gets! This is why we have chosen Matt as this week's AOTW!

- Who influences you and why?

The people that influence my riding as a whole are genuinely positive people. No matter what the person is positive about, even if it isn't bike-riding, it still motivates me. Specific people that motivate me would definitely be the Chicago BMX scene. The scene here is amazing and I absolute love riding with every person.

Photo: Tim Burkhart

- What/ Who inspired you to start riding?

My brother, Mike Lough, is probably the root-inspirer for my riding. Him being my brother and all, I've always looked up to him. As a kid I'd watch and wish that I could ride bikes with him and his friends but I was too small and couldn't cross the street haha. Also, my life-time friend, Tyler Simons, influenced me to start riding a BMX bike! The entire story of Tyler is in my Monster Army profile.

- What are your proudest moments/accomplishments in 2013/2014?

My proudest accomplishment in 2013/2014 would definitely getting onto Ketch Bikes team and coming out with my own prototype frame. Also, being two years done with college! It's going by so fast...

Photo: Anthony Schneidewind

- What part of your riding are you looking to improve upon most this year?

What I'd like to continue improving on most is consistency. Consistency is by far the most important aspect of my riding. I want to do the tricks that I do, along with be able to do them first try!

- Have you had to overcome any challenges that made riding an obstacle at times? (i.e. Injuries, support)

The fact that I am a poor college student is quite the struggle haha. I don't want to make it seem as if I'm complaining, but as parts on my bike break it's very hard for me to come by new parts so that's a common struggle. But thankfully, Ketch Bikes picked me up on their team.

Photo: Josh Olszowka 

- What is your daily routine and how do you prepare yourself for a day of riding?

My daily routine in the summer is wake up at 6:30am, get to work at 8:00am, work until 3:00pm, and then ride for the remaining hours of the day. During the school year, I wake up at 5:30am, and go to work/school at the University of St. Francis and stay there until about 4:00pm. Then I study and if I have time I try to ride.

- Where would you like to see yourself in the next few years?

I'd really like to see myself down in Texas where the concrete parks are abundant, the streets are endless and the trails are callin'! Haha

Photo: Tim Burkhart 

- When I’m not riding you can find me____________________?

When I'm not riding, you can find me playing guitar or enjoying the day with my friends.

Photo: Tim Burkhart 

- Who would you like to thank?

I'd like to that my family of course, because they are the ones that put up with the hectic life I have chosen, along with ever-so-graciously supporting me. Id also like to thank Mike Stotsky and Joe Battaglia at Ketch Bikes for keeping me and my bike rolling. Monster Army for the opportunity that they have given me, and finally all the people that keep me happily motivated and stay positive! 

Follow Matt:

Monster Army- /mattloughbmx

Instagram- @mattloughbmx

Facebook-  /mattloughbmx

Twitter- @mattloughbmx