Rick VanMatre
Rick VanMatre
Full Name and Common Aliases
Rick VanMatre is widely known by his full name, but some of his colleagues and contemporaries refer to him as R.V.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on November 1, 1922, in the United States, unfortunately, we do not have information on a specific date for his passing.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Rick VanMatre was an American engineer by profession, with expertise in the field of structural engineering.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in a family that valued education and hard work, Rick's innate curiosity and passion for mathematics led him to pursue a career in engineering. His interest in architecture and design also played a significant role in shaping his professional journey.
As he progressed through school, VanMatre's natural aptitude and dedication earned him academic recognition and praise from his instructors. These early experiences instilled in him the importance of rigorous thinking and meticulous attention to detail – qualities that would become hallmarks of his career as an engineer.
Major Accomplishments
Throughout his illustrious career, Rick VanMatre achieved numerous milestones, but one of his most notable contributions was his work on structural analysis. His groundbreaking research in this field significantly improved the accuracy and efficiency of structural engineering practices.
VanMatre's pioneering work earned him multiple awards and honors, including recognition from esteemed institutions within the engineering community. His dedication to advancing the field and inspiring future generations of engineers is still remembered today.
Notable Works or Actions
Rick VanMatre was a prolific researcher, author, and educator who left an indelible mark on the world of structural engineering. His publications are considered seminal works in their respective fields, while his teaching inspired countless students to pursue careers in engineering.
As a testament to his impact, many prominent institutions have recognized VanMatre's contributions by bestowing upon him honorary degrees and other prestigious accolades. These achievements serve as a reminder of the profound influence he had on his field.
Impact and Legacy
Rick VanMatre's legacy extends far beyond his impressive list of accomplishments. His unwavering commitment to excellence, coupled with an innate ability to communicate complex ideas effectively, has inspired generations of engineers and architects.
As a result of his tireless efforts, the structural engineering community is now equipped with a deeper understanding of its principles and practices. This fundamental shift in knowledge has far-reaching implications for the construction industry as a whole.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Rick VanMatre's influence can be seen in the many quotes attributed to him. His insightful commentary on engineering principles, problem-solving strategies, and collaboration continues to resonate with professionals worldwide.
The quotes from VanMatre have become an integral part of the engineering community's collective knowledge base, offering valuable lessons for those seeking guidance or simply looking to appreciate the wisdom of a pioneer in their field.
Quotes by Rick VanMatre

The first half I think both teams played with so much emotion. I think both teams were a little out of control. You can play hard with emotion, but it's hard to play under control.

Chillicothe is the toughest opponent we've faced all year. Everybody can talk about this and that, but there is no way they should have been a four-seed in this tournament. They have a lot of weapons, and it's going to be a huge challenge.

It was good for us to win a close game. All the games have been pretty widespread point margins.

This is the third sellout in the last four games. I got here at 4:30 and I had to park three blocks away. There was still a line to get in the gym at 4:30. There were people lined up at 1:30 today to get in here. That's what's special about this league. When we go over there, it will be the same way again.

Tonight we played a lot more man than we usually do. We got behind and couldn't play the match-up zone as much. The match-up zone was good for us in the first half, but then they hit two quick 3s in the second half and we had to play man and didn't do a very good job.

We knew it would be a tough game. To play them a third time is never easy, but the effort and intensity was there, and that's something we need to take into Saturday.

We've been fortunate to win 20 straight league games. The last time we lost was two years ago at their place in overtime. They wanted to come in and get it done again. We knew this would be a huge game.

Our worst quarter was the third. We started out well, but we let them get back into it at the end of the second by putting them at the foul line, and they made their shots - we didn't. We've struggled with shooting lately, but we were fortunate to make plays in the end.

This was a game where I felt like our defense was good, but our offense was average at best. Heath McNeal was very active inside, and with him and (Jeremy) Webster, it spread the interior, and the other kids did a nice job of finding them.
