Talk to Matt Vital for a while, and you realize what Liberty head golf coach Steve Bradley has known for the past four seasons.

“Matt is a very cool customer,” said Bradley. “He did well in the classroom, and his peers and teachers liked him. As a player, he never got too up or too down.

“He’s good enough to know that if he needs to, he can birdie consecutive holes to make up ground.”

With a calm and composed manner about him, Vital enjoyed success over the past four years as a member of Liberty’s golf team as well as the previous three seasons. For his accolades and attributes, Vital is the Bethlehem Press Male Athlete of the Year.

Over the years, Vital has appreciated his honors. He also has discovered how he has reached the current status as one of the top amateurs in the state.

Locally, Vital helped Liberty to three consecutive team district titles, and won two consecutive individuals titles. In late June, Vital shot a 9-under 204 to win the Pennsylvania Boys Junior Golf Championship among a field of 144 golfers.

“It’s about how much time you put into it,” he stressed. “Being recognized always means a lot to me. It shows that I am putting in the time that I need to succeed.”

Vital does acknowledge that there is a mental aspect to his game.

“I always try not to get rattled about a bad shot,” he said. “It is a mental and physical game, and I would lean more toward the mental aspect of it. There definitely is some skill and strength behind it.

“It is just about being mentally ready, and there are some tough times. I know I just have to stay focused. It is the old adage of taking one shot at a time. It is easy to get down on yourself and have your conscience shaken. For me, it’s about not losing focus.”

In the state tournaments, Vital finished 12th his junior year and 19th this past season. He knew it would be a different playing field.

“We had a different course, and the competition is always tight,” he reflected. “I had some trouble with some tee shots and some shots that I missed. But I thought that I was able to keep my cool, and play it out. Sometimes, I do lose confidence off the tee.”

Playing golf since he was very young, Vital learned a different aspect of the game at Liberty.

“In high school, you learn to play as a team,” he said. “You just have to strive to be the best you can be every time out. It is a matter of picking each other up. It really prepared me for the next step.”

Vital stated that his high school experience was made easier due to lifelong friendships. His twin brother Michael, who also recently graduated, has helped him along the way.

“I have been playing with these guys for a long time,” he said. “We all know each other very well. It made it easier for all of us, and that’s why we are able to win three district titles. There has been a close bond between us all for about eight years.

“My brother Michael has always been a positive influence, and he has played a big role in my golf game. We truly support each other.”

Both Vitals will attend Temple University to continue their golf careers. Yet, Vital has had a busy summer schedule, as he will continue to play in tournaments until he arrives in Philadelphia in mid-August. At the beginning of the month, Vital finished eighth in the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) Junior at Penn State.

Bradley has seen how his busy schedule has created his identity.

“He is constantly playing in tournaments all year long, and he has built a fantastic reputation for himself,” said Bradley. “He has a ton of support from his family, and the competition between him and his brother is intense and sometimes comical.

“He is a great choice as one of the school’s top athletes.”

Vital is excited to continue his career at Temple, and he isn’t necessarily looking to get his tournament card yet. Temple head coach Brian Quinn understands the potential and the possibilities for the brothers.

“We are really excited to have both Matthew and Michael Vital join our Temple golf program,” said Quinn. “Matthew is one of the top golfers in the state and we look forward to seeing Michael progress into one of our top players. There can be plenty of great days ahead for Temple golf.”

Vital has welcomed the anticipated ride.

“I really wanted to play in college,” said Vital. “I think everybody thinks about becoming a pro, but it isn’t in my plans as of now. I wanted to play in a big program that was close to home, and Temple gave my brother and I the opportunity.

“I know it is another level of golf, but I plan to play like I always have.”

For Matt Vital, being cool and calm isn’t a bad thing.