A multi All-State 800 meter and 4x400 relay runner in high school, Matt's best time of 1:54.69 for the 800 meters was established as a Junior in high school. In an abbreviated Cross Country season due to a lower-leg injury obtained prior to CMC, Matt finished 35^th in the SCIAC Championships in only his second collegiate race - the 9^th finishing Freshman in the conference.

Matthew attended Marist High School in Eugene, Oregon, prior to CMC.