ARDEN HILLS, Minn. – Bethel football sophomore and defensive back Matt Jung recently competed in the IFAF (International Federation of American Football) U20 World Junior Championship in Edmonton from June 22-30 as a member of Team USA.
 
Despite a fourth-place finish from the United States, Jung was named Special Teams MVP of the tournament while also being the leading tackler. He tallied an impressive 30 tackles in three games, 13 more than second-placed Harry Pratt (17 total) of Australia.
 
In the bronze medal game, Jung found himself lining up in unfamiliar territory volunteering for long snapper and holding duties for the first time in his career. In the loss to Austria he notched a forced fumble, a fumble recovery returned into the endzone, an onside kick recovery and added a two-point conversion run. For the game, he finished with 10 tackles, three of which went for a loss.

Jung and the Royals open up the 2024 season on Saturday, Sept. 14 at Northwestern with a 6 p.m. kickoff.