Saint Viator math teacher scores winning shot
Saint Viator High School Math teacher Matt Hynek accomplished something at a recent basketball game that hasn't been done in three years: he won the Buffalo Wild Wings Shoot Out, leading to coupons for free wings for everyone in the crowd.
The roar from the crowd was deafening as students and adults in the stands jumped to their feet after watching Hynek complete the rare four-point play.
"It was all luck," said Hynek afterward.
Hynek was one of two "celebrity" contestants in the school's Buffalo Wild Wings Shoot Out. He and assistant athletic director Mike Manno competed during halftime of the boys' varsity basketball game during "pack the gym" night against Northridge Prep.
Working in partnership with KPW Management in Barrington, which owns eight suburban Buffalo Wild Wings, Saint Viator officials have challenged fans to the contest at each boys' home basketball game, for the last four years.
Contestants have 20 seconds to shoot a layup, free throw, 3-point shot and one from half court.
If someone wins the shootout, everyone attending the game receives a coupon for 12 free wings at the nearby Buffalo Wild Wings in Mount Prospect, where general manager Mike Winkler reports they gave away 3,000 wings after Hynek's performance.
Typically, contestants are students trying their hand at the shootout. While many have come close, only one other Saint Viator student has completed the feat. Chris Carter, a 2008 graduate from Arlington Heights, sunk all four shots back in 2007.
"I was really nervous with the free throw," Hynek added. "It was rolling around on the rim, and I thought, 'No, I can't miss the free throw.' But then, luckily it went in."
Hynek teaches algebra I and II at the school, as well as sophomore geometry. He is a 1992 Saint Viator graduate, and when he joined the math department in 2002, he followed in the footsteps of his father, John Hynek, who now teaches part time.
KPW Management representatives said that 11 schools in the area are participating in the shoot out challenge, including Hersey High School in Arlington Heights.
Ironically, the same night Hynek sunk his shots, contestants also won at Marian Central High School in Woodstock and at Huntley High School.
"It's fun," says KPW marketing manager Vicki Frantz. "It really gets the crowd going. And we feel that the publicity, excitement and awareness it generates for our restaurants goes a lot farther than giving away 3,000 wings."
As for Hynek, he no longer can hide his basketball skills. Though he only played as far as the sophomore team in high school, he now has been scouted for the faculty team when they play the students in April.
"He can't back out now," says JoAnn Francis, student activities director. "He's our ringer."
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