March 29, 2024 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Matt Tapia Survives Premature Birth To Play Football, Enroll At UCLA:

When it comes to inspirational football films, “Rudy” is often the gold standard. Here in Santa Monica, the City’s namesake high school has a “Rudy” of its own, and his name is Matthew Tapia. The 18-year-old-senior is the subject of short documentary.

Fittingly entitled “Matt,” the short film released May 27 on YouTube tells Tapia’s story of beating the odds. Specifically, Tapia was born three months premature and, at the time, given a 5 percent chance to survive.

His weight at the time of birth: 1.5 pounds.

Now at age 18, Tapia is a senior at Samohi. On the film’s website, Tapia is described as “gregarious” and “defiant,” a young man who relied upon “stubbornness” to not only survive but put himself on track to attend college next year.

Indeed, Tapia is not going too far away from Santa Monica, as the graduating senior will be enrolling at UCLA in the Fall 2014 quarter.

“Matt is a huge sports fan and dreams of being a play-by-play [announcer] one day,” the film’s website described about Tapia. “Heading into his senior year, Matt took advantage of an opportunity offered to him by a brave coach and some open minded kids, and joined the football team.”

While on the Samohi football team, Tapia attended every practice.

With Tapia on the team, the Vikings football squad recorded a winning record, made the playoffs, and advanced into the second round.

Along the way, Tapia played in two games. However, his impact on the team was far greater, as he was also described as the “indomitable spirit and positive attitude” that inspired Samohi’s football team discover its identity.

He also played in one playoff basketball game and one baseball game.

Director Seth Shapiro, who is Tapia’s neighbor and a friend of his father, was inspired to document the teen on film after he made the Samohi football team.

“I wanted to know more about the coach giving this special opportunity to Matt, especially in a contact sport like football. I also wanted to know how the team would treat Matt and what they might learn from each other,” Shapiro, a filmmaker and producer who focuses on sports-themed films, said. “I was so impressed with how tolerant and loving Matt’s teammates were.”

Produced by Diesel Films, “Matt” is currently available to view online at www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMogvjXWXWc.

For more information about the film and how to view it, visit its website at www.mattthefilm.com or visit its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MattTheFilm.

In addition to watching the film, Tapia encourages viewers to support the National Bullying Prevention Center.

On the film’s website, an official “Matt the Film” t-shirt is available for purchase. All funds raised from t-shirt sales will directly fund the Samohi football team, which, due to budget cuts, is apparently in need of shoulder pads and helmets.

“What I really hope people take away from ‘Matt’ is the idea, ‘Don’t let other people’s expectations be yours,’ Shapiro said. “I’m proud of the fact that the film has so much depth to it; it’s not just a single emotion. There are many themes – friendship, brotherhood, teamwork, family – and, I think, universal appeal.”

in News
Related Posts

Customers at These Palisades Stores Can Get Cash Rewards for Sharing Their Experience

March 29, 2024

March 29, 2024

Thumzup is Starting its L.A. Footprint Expansion with Pacific Palisades Thumzup, a company which aims to democratize the social media...

Homeless Man Sentenced to State Prison for Crimes Against Homeless Women

March 29, 2024

March 29, 2024

Man Pleads No Contest to Series of Sexual Assaults Anthony Pittman, currently homeless, has pled no contest to a series...

(Video) Series A Coffee Now Open in Beverly Hills at 8328 Wilshire Blvd

March 29, 2024

March 29, 2024

Located in the space that formerly housed a Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. Try the Black Pearl Iced Coffee. @smmirrornews...

Los Angeles County Braces for Heavy Rain, Snow, and Possible Thunderstorms Over Weekend

March 28, 2024

March 28, 2024

National Weather Service Issues Alerts for Flooding and Possible Tornado  According to the latest reports from the National Weather Service...

Hotel Workers to Speak Out on Harassment Endured at Santa Monica Hampton Inn

March 28, 2024

March 28, 2024

The Hotel Is One of Five Hotels in the Charter City That Are Still in a Labor Dispute By Zach...

Santa Monica Rotary Club Raises Over $21,000 for SMC Guardian Scholars Program

March 28, 2024

March 28, 2024

This Grant Will Provide Essential Support to Current and Former Foster Youth Enrolled at the College The Rotary Club of...

 (Video) Philz Coffee Set to Close Westside Location Next Month

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

The Franchise Recently Made Headlines for Changing Headquarters @smmirrornews Philz is closing its Santa Monica shop #coffeeaddict #coffee #coffeeshop #losangeles...

Fleurs et Sel Bakery Opens Storefront in West Adams, Welcomes Customers Three Days a Week

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Indulge in Freshly Baked Cookies at the New West Adams Location Fleurs et Sel Bakery, known for its delectable cookies...

Easter Specials Guide: Brunch Spots, Desserts, and More in West Los Angeles

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Discover the Best Easter Eats and Treats in LA for Your Holiday Celebration Easter is almost here, so here are...

Famous Literary Critic and Palisadian Passes Away at 92

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

A Memoriam Post Stated She Overturned Views on T. S. Eliot, Ezra Pound and Other Canonized Artists By Zach Armstrong...

Mixed-Use Development Set for Sloping Property along Chautauqua Boulevard

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

“Canyon Place” Is Set to Include Two Apartment Units and 1,415 Sq. Ft. of Office Space By Zach Armstrong A...

Over Five Miles of Venice Blvd. to Temporarily Close, Become Public Park in April

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

The Initiative, Which Started in 2010, Aims to Connect Communities and Promote Sustainable Transportation Options On Sunday, April 21 from...

(Video) Workers Strike at Luxury Hotel in Downtown Santa Monica

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Meanwhile, Unite Here Local 11 Recently Announced a Contract Was Ratified at 34 Hotels @smmirrornews Workers are striking at Proper...

(Video) Director Adam Wingard Talks About His Influences While Making GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Director Adam Wingard Talks About His Influences While Making GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE at the Beyond Fest Screening...

Historic Union Contract Ratified by Thousands of Hotel Workers At 34 Hotels

March 26, 2024

March 26, 2024

UNITE HERE Local 11 Negotiates Agreement Ensuring Wage Increases  Hotel workers, who spearheaded the largest hotel strike in modern U.S....