Livingston cheerleader Matti Houser continuing a multi-generational legacy as she supports the same athletic programs where her father and grandfather once competed.
Houser said her grandfather played as a running back and wide receiver during his high school career. Houser said her father also played for the school as a quarterback and receiver.
“I just think the legacy that my grandpa left, the legacy that my dad left, it’s really special,” Houser said. “And Livingston is very rich in tradition, and I think that really carries over.”
Houser said her brothers are now continuing the family line on the football field. Houser said both of her brothers wear the same jersey number used by her father and grandfather.
“It is so cool,” Houser said. “I love that like I said, Livingston’s really rich in tradition, so to still be able to do the same traditions that both of them done as well is so special.”
Houser said her grandfather wrote a song titled “Boys’ Town” about his graduation and the eventual transition to her father’s era of playing. Houser said she now sees that same cycle repeating with her father and her brothers.
“I hope that my light shines the way his did and that I can leave a legacy the same way he did,” Houser said. “So it’s really cool to have that opportunity and just to stand on the same field that they did.”
Houser said her interest in cheerleading began at a young age, though she did not try out for a team until the eighth grade. Houser said she initially joined the middle school squad because her younger cousin was playing on the football team.
“I’ve always loved the idea of supporting people and I’ve always been very extroverted, so it was just a good thing for me to get into,” Houser said. “And I’m really glad that I did.”
Houser said the cheerleading squad performs various tasks that the public often does not see, such as decorating locker rooms. Houser said the team participates in many community events and spends the week preparing for upcoming games.
“The past four years have really taught me that there’s no place like Livingston Academy,” Houser said. “I’ve also learned the saying, ‘The people make the place.’”
Houser said she has spent her high school years trying to soak in the experience before graduation.