At the Midwest Regional, hosted by Iowa State in Ames, Iowa, November 10, junior Kyle Mattes placed seventh overall, garnering All-Region honors and solidifying a spot in the NCAA Championships. Mattes is the first Redbird to qualify for the NCAA Championships since Christian Goy did so in 2002.
“Kyle Mattes put himself in perfect position throughout the entire race, tucking himself into the top-15,” said Director of Track & Field and Cross Country Jeff Bovee. “He had great patience, and was ready to go when things really started to heat-up in the final 2K.”
Mattes made his move after the 5,000 meter-mark, passing 12 runners over the next 3K to improve to fifth place with 2,000 meters to go. He was able to stand his ground for the duration of the race to secure a seventh place finish and receive the fourth individual qualifying spot. Mattes crossed the finish line in 29:17.90, becoming the first Redbird to earn All-Region honors since Ryan Rutherford did so in back-to-back years in 2013 and 2014.
Mattes’ spectacular performance led ISU to a 12th place finish in a field of 28 teams. Cody Baele, who led the pack of runners through 5,000 meters, also posted a strong performance. He was the second ‘Bird to cross the finish line in 30:20.50. Rounding out the scoring for the ISU men was Skyler Arthur, Scott Anderson, and Kevin Koski, who posted a new 10K personal-best of 31:02.70.
Mattes will be back in action on Nov. 18, as he travels to Louisville, Kentucky, to compete in the NCAA Division I Cross Country Championships.
