Early Years
Slater was born in Baldwin Park, California. He lettered in football for two seasons for coach Larry Toner at Servite High School in Anaheim, California, where he was teammates with Ryan Kalil. He was an All-West selection by Prep Star and a three-star selection by Rivals.com. He was also a two-time All-Serra League selection.
As a senior, Slater made 39 receptions for 707 yards and five touchdowns. As a junior, he made 23 catches for 333 yards and two touchdowns. Also performed in track finishing tied for second at the CIF State meet in the 100 meter dash (10.67) and fourth in the 200 meter dash (21.39). His 4 x 100 m relay team was CIF champion. He was selected 2003 Orange County Register Boys Track and Field Athlete of the Year as a senior. He still holds school records in the 100 (10.62) and 200 meters (21.39).
He is the son of former NFL offensive tackle and Hall of Famer Jackie Slater.
Read more about this topic: Matthew Slater
Famous quotes related to early years:
“If there is a price to pay for the privilege of spending the early years of child rearing in the driver’s seat, it is our reluctance, our inability, to tolerate being demoted to the backseat. Spurred by our success in programming our children during the preschool years, we may find it difficult to forgo in later states the level of control that once afforded us so much satisfaction.”
—Melinda M. Marshall (20th century)