Matthew Reed returns for his third season on the Prairie Fire sideline, coaching the wide receivers. During his first two years for the Fire several receiving records fell. All-Midwest Conference wide receiver Ilir Emini (Yorkville, IL, Yorkville) set single-season marks for total receptions (88) and most receptions in a game (16 vs. Lake Forest College) in 2014. For the 11th time in school history, the Fire saw two receivers cross the 100-yard threshold in a game (vs. Grinnell College), as Emini went for 160 and Matt Hemmingsen delivered 106.
Emini continued his historic career in 2015 as he caught 82 passes, which helped him set a new school bench mark for receptions in a career with 233. Emini finished 4th all-time in career receiving yards with 2,541. He also finished his career with eight 100-yard receiving games, six under the watch of Reed. His 15 career touchdown receptions are good for sixth in school history, while his 66.8 receiving yards per game average sits seventh all-time.
Prior to Reed’s arrival in Galesburg, he spent two seasons (2012 and 2013) coaching wide receivers at Maine Maritime, a New England Football Conference affiliate. In 2013, Reed was part of an explosive offense that led the nation in rushing (372.6 YPG). That statistic garnered a national rushing title for the Mariners. Reed also assisted with the quarterbacks during his time in Castine, Maine, while developing the passing game on offense. In addition, he taught physical education and provided play-by-play commentary for all sporting events outside of football on livestream webcasts.
Reed played both quarterback and wide receiver at the D-II and D-III levels in college. His career began at Saint Anselm College in Manchester, New Hampshire, where he was the quarterback, a wide receiver, and a specialist before transferring to play the quarterback position at Castleton University in Vermont. Reed was also a catcher and an infielder on the Castleton baseball team, which advanced to the 2010 NCAA Division III regional playoff round.
A native of Amherst, New Hampshire, Reed earned a B.S. in business studies and sport management, along with an M.S. in sports coaching and psychology.
