Biography

While attending high school at Bishop Feehan, Matt Hanley looked very much like the state trooper that he is today. Crew-cut, ruggedly built, and tough as nails, Hanley was a captain of one of Feehan's most talented teams which, other than a loss on Thanksgiving, came within three points of going into that game undefeated. As the favorite receiver of QB Paul Humphrey from his Split End position, Hanley caught 17 passes for 288 yards and 5 TD's in the Shamrocks run oriented wishbone offense. Coach Paul O'Boy remarked: "Next to Billy Hyland, the Shamrocks all time leading receiver, Matt has the finest set of hands of any player we have ever had at Bishop Feehan."

In a heartbreaking 7-6 loss to North Attleboro in the season opener, Hanley had three catches for 45 yards. The following week, in the team's first victory against Durfee, he snared two more passes for 50 yards, including a 42 yarder for a TD. Other highlights of that year were a TD reception against Bishop Stang and two more against Attleboro in a pair of Shamrock routs. Without question, the highlight of the season was a memorable 19-19 tie against ranked and previously undefeated New Bedford where Feehan fought back from a 19-0 deficit and came within a deflected pass to Hanley to almost win. Nonetheless, the Shamrock captain snared 5 passes for 98 yards that day which featured a couple of circus catches, one for a TD. Somewhat overlooked by his offensive production was Hanley's prowess as a Defensive Back. He was a strong tackler and often covered the opponent's most dangerous receiver. For his efforts, Hanley was recognized as a Sun Chronicle and Eastern Athletic Conference All Star.

Despite Matt Hanely's accomplishments on the gridiron, it was the intangibles he contributed to his team that made him so outstanding. The leadership he showed as a captain, the role model he displayed to underclassmen, and his personification of the ideals of discipline, sacrifice, and commitment are what made him so much more than a football player. It is for this and his stellar career in law enforcement that we salute him this evening.