Dawg junior Matt Saxton, a talented multi-sport athlete, was severely injured in the closing minutes of the Berwick vs. Pittston football game on October 5, 2007, held in Pittston.

According to a Press-Enterprise article written by Gary Pang and published on Monday, October 8, Matt fractured two vertebrae in his neck during the final minutes of the football game when another player's knee hit his helmet.  Saxton was transported by ambulance and initially treated at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital and then later flown to Milton Hershey Medical Center.  At MHMC, Matt underwent a successful 5-hour surgery on Saturday, October 6.  His surgery reportedly included the insertion of a metal plate and two metal rods.  Thankfully, it was also reported that Matt did not incur the potential of paralysis from his injury.  Amazingly, Matt was released and returned home on Sunday, October 7, and is expected to return to school soon.

The severity of Saxton's injury will prevent him from participating in all contact sports.

Matt was a 2-year member of Berwick Varsity Wrestling competing for the Dawgs as both a freshman and sophomore.  A strong, scrappy, and intense competitor, Matt was working hard to have a break-out year this season as a junior.  His absence in our lineup will be severely missed by both the Berwick Wrestling Program and the entire Dawg Faithful.

This webmaster and the entire Dawg Faithful will long-remember one of Matt's most glorious moments on the mat when he secured a huge and pivotal win by fall in a 41-31 victory over Wyoming Area on December 19, 2005.  Matt's outstanding performance that night bears a recap back to that infamous moment in time from the proud history of Berwick Wrestling.

Saxton Recap vs. WA Warriors (12/19/05)
Saxton's Pin Lifts Dawgs
With Berwick trailing Wyoming Area 14-19, another Dawg freshman, Matt Saxton, stood on deck ready for what can be considered the night's most pivotal bout.  A pin by either gladiator and it would be a 12-point swing.  Berwick desperately needed to close the door on Wyoming Area.

Saxton strode out to that inner circle with his singlet blazing the pride and tradition of Berwick Wrestling.  Matt knew the team score.  Matt knew the importance of his upcoming battle on the mat of manhood.  Saxton challenged himself and put on a performance of sheer determination that lifted the crowd to their feet in delivering not only a spectacular pin, but a fall that rose the Dawgs above the Warriors for their first lead of the night by the score of 20-19. 

Matt, on behalf of the Berwick Wrestling Program and all of the Dawg Faithful, we wish you a successful and speedy recovery!!