Upload a Photo Upload a Video Add a News article Write a Blog Add a Comment
Blog Feed News Feed Video Feed All Feeds

Media

Photos (0)
View
Videos (19)
View
News (47)
View
Blogs (0)
View
 

Folders

 

 

Matthew Maton dips under 4 minutes in the mile at 2015 Oregon Twilight Meet

Published by
DyeStat.com   May 9th 2015, 3:46am
Comments

Maton makes it under four minutes

 

By Doug Binder, DyeStat Editor

 

EUGENE, Ore. -- Matthew Maton said he had trouble sleeping all week, the thought of going for a sub-four minute mile -- and joining one of the most exclusive clubs in high school sports -- dominating his thoughts. 

 

Maton wanted to make history at the Oregon Twilight meet because he figured the conditions would be perfect. He'd have college runners to pace him. He'd have a supportive Hayward Field crowd backing him. 

 

"My mom said this was the last mile that I'll have where I can go for a time," Maton said. 

 

It all came to pass and Maton kicked home in 3:59.38. It was a result that left Maton feeling stunned. 

 

"I was really nervous it was going to pop up and be four-oh-oh," Maton said. "That's fast but you don't get anything for it. You don't get put on the list."

 

Maton became the sixth high school boy to break the barrier -- joining (chronologically) Jim Ryun (3:55.3 in 1965), Tim Danielson (3:59.4 in 1966), Marty Liquouri (3:59.8 in 1967), Alan Webb (3:53.43 in 2001) and Lukas Verzbicas (3:59.71 in 2011).

 

At points in the race, Maton was both confident and concerned. In the middle parts of race he rode in a pocket of future Oregon Ducks teammates, who were egging him on the whole way. He hit the bell at about 3:03 and felt the desperation of knowing that his worst fears may come true. NCAA champion Mac Fleet, an early pacer, exhorted Maton from the backstretch as he dashed into the wind -- and toward an uncertain destiny with the clock.

 

He found another gear for the final lap and closed well over the final 150 when he could see the ticking clock on the Hayward Field scoreboard. 

 

"It was my ultimate goal this year, so it feels good to get it," Maton said. 

 

Maton will have additional mile races ahead, including the Prefontaine Classic and adidas Dream Mile, but he expect that those events could become tactical -- with the wins taking precedence over the finish time. 

 

Maton was already third all-time in the 1,500 meters after running 3:42 at the Oregon Relays. That result made the dream of a sub-four mile seem like a distinct possibility. 

 

Grant Fisher of Grand Blanc MI, the two-time Foot Locker champion, essentially matched Maton when he ran 3:42 last weekend at the Payton Jordan Invitatioanal at Stanford. He has yet to cut loose i a full mile yet outdoors.



HashtagsNone
 

More news

History for University of Portland Track andField and Cross Country - Portland, Oregon
YearVideosNewsPhotosBlogs
2023 5 92    
2022 3 140    
2021 5 123    
Show 16 more
HashtagsNone
 
 
+PLUS highlights
+PLUS coverage
Live Events
Get +PLUS!