Matt Zacharias

Class:
Senior
Events:
3000m Steeplechase / 1500m
Hometown:
Goodfield, Ill.
Height:
5-11
High School:
Normal University
Squadron:
26 Barons

JUNIOR YEAR | 2020-21: Competed in the 3000-meter run during three indoor meets…clocked a personal-best time of 8:22.22 (adjusted for altitude, track size) at the Colorado Running Company UCCS Open…won the mile at the Air Force Collegiate Open, clocking a career-best 4:15.36a in only appearance at that distance…also ran the 5000-meter run once, posting a debut of 14:52.99 during Championships at the Peak…did not compete during the outdoor season…academic all-conference selection.

SOPHOMORE YEAR | 2019-20: Competed in the 3000-meter run during two indoor meets...posted a career-best time of 8:36.36 (adjusted for altitude) at the Colorado Invitational...clocked a 5000-meter time of 15:18.51a in only appearance at that distance (Air Force Collegiate Open)...academic all-conference selection.

FRESHMAN YEAR | 2018-19: Competed in the mile during four indoor meets...posted a personal-best time of 4:18.04 (adjusted for altitude) to finish fifth out of 21 runners the Air Force Collegiate Open...also accounted for a top-10 finish at the Air Force Invitational (4:20.23a)...competed in the 3000-meter steeplechase three times during the outdoor season...won the Jerry Quiller Classic (9:57.60a) and Doug Max Invitational (career-best 9:48.67a)...also raced a pair of 1500-meter events...clocked a personal-best time of 3:59.95a to finish within the top half of the 95-runner field at the Colorado Invitational (43rd).

HIGH SCHOOL: Normal University High School...four-year varsity letterwinner...seven-time state qualifier (team and individual)...member of teams that collected four state trophies...earned all-state honors after finishing fourth in the 1600-meter run (4:20.24) at the Illinois 2A meet...named Illinois State Scholar...AP Scholar, with Distinction.

PERSONAL: Full name is Matthew Joseph Zacharias...goes by Matt...nickname is “Squidward”...son of Joseph and Amy Zacharias...has three younger siblings (two sisters, one brother)...majoring in cyber science...future plans include working in the cyber operations field...named to the Dean’s List and Athletic Director’s List...hobbies include watching and quoting The Office with AJ, listening to Jeb talk about life in Arkansas and arguing with Pony over his true residence…completed a Cadet Summer Research Project (CSRP) in Washington D.C., over the summer...member of Cadet Squadron 26.