Touchdown Oilers: Findlay Faithfuls Matt ’06 and Lindsey (Sons ’07) Berger

Lindsey (Sons ’07) met Matt Berger ’06 during UF’s freshman orientation in August 2002. After repeatedly running into each other throughout the semester and realizing they both have a love for football, the two became quick friends.

“Matt had received a scholarship to play football at UF, so a lot of our time together revolved around football and that was absolutely fine with me,” said Lindsey. “I loved football and having him be an asset on that team was just so much fun for us both.” After a whole season of football, and many memories from their freshman year, Lindsey and Matt officially started dating. “Matt is a pretty quiet and very humble guy, and I was a loud and proud girlfriend, so we made quite the pair,” she said.

While Matt and Lindsey describe themselves as “opposites,” the two did agree on something – University of Findlay. “Out of all the colleges and universities we could have gone to, we both decided on Findlay, and just happened to cross paths on the first day. I can’t help but think God had a hand in that from the start,” said Lindsey. The two also agreed on a love for football, living in a house with three other football players. “Our house was a definite hangout spot for all the get-togethers, and those are memories we will never forget!”

The two became inseparable, and eventually married in July 2006. The family of two had (and still have) the same goals in life, as both wanted to start a family and own a home in the country. Lindsey and Matt have accomplished those life goals, and now have three kids that keep their daily schedules full. When the Bergers aren’t running to and from their 16-year-old’s soccer and track meets, their 14-year-old’s football and basketball games, and their 9-year-old’s gymnastics and soccer events, they love to travel. “Our favorite places to go would be Marco Island in Florida and Gatlinburg. We have been many other places, but those are the two we just cannot get enough of,” they said.

When asked what their children think about their love story, Matt and Lindsey said the kids have taken an interest in UF. “They love the fact that Matt and I didn’t even know a thing about each other until we met at UF,” said Lindsey. Matt’s past of being an Oiler on the football field has also sparked an interest in their 14-year-old, Brody, who looks to follow in Matt’s footsteps and play football at UF if the opportunity presents itself. At 16, their daughter, Shae, has also been talking about college, and says UF is on her list.

When it comes to the title of “Findlay Faithfuls,” Matt and Lindsey fully embrace the honor. “I love the title because it’s exactly what we represent! We met each other at Findlay, we both have extremely fond memories of our experience at Findlay, and we have remained faithful, not only to each other, but also to UF,” the two said. Lindsey and Matt continue to support UF fundraisers and encourage not only their kids, but all high school students that they work with to consider the University of Findlay.

As part of a series alongside Valentine’s Day, we’re featuring stories about UF couples, past and present, called “Findlay Faithfuls.” If you’re interested in sharing your story, we encourage you to share a picture using #FindlayFaithfuls and tag @oileralumni on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. We’d love to hear from you and re-share!