Growing up, Matt was one of five children who were always very active in sports and various other activities.  He grew up playing organized soccer, basketball, and football, while spending a lot of time with his father at multiple sporting events.  It wasn’t until his freshman year of high school, however, that he was able to see his full potential in wrestling, and develop the love that he now has for the sport. His junior year, he finished as the 4A state runner up and just one season later, he was crowned the Missouri 4A state champion his senior year.

Following high school, Matt went on to wrestle at Central Missouri State University where he compiled an overall record of 40-19 while earning various honors, including NCAA All-American and NCAA Academic All-American.  Later, he was inducted into the 2014 class of CMSU’s Wrestling Hall of Fame resulting from all of his hard work, dedication to the program, and the accolades he received throughout his college wrestling career. Matt received both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in education and pursued a career in teaching following graduation.

At the end of the 2022-23 school year, Matt officially retired from public education after 29 years of service as a counselor, science and credit recovery teacher.  During the extent of his tenure, he coached both high school and club wrestling where he was able to mentor hundreds of young men and women, participate in International Exchange Programs, and coach numerous athletes including NCAA and NAIA All-Americans.

Not only was Matt dedicated to his coaching, but he was able to remain competitive on the wrestling mat himself, while also entering the world of Mixed Martial Arts.  Over the course of several years, he competed in 21 amateur bouts and compiled an overall record of 19-2, while also briefly holding the title of ISCF Light Heavyweight Champion.  During his time in the octagon, he would dedicate each fight to his sister who was battling breast cancer at the time.

A very large part of Matt’s life has revolved around wrestling and coaching, but when he wasn’t at the gym or on the mat, you could often find him playing his drums, singing with his band or flying his drones.  If you know Matt, you know he loves his gadgets!

In January of 2023, Matt suffered a stroke in his brainstem leading to significant left side weakness that not only interferes with his ability to walk, but with his balance/coordination, as well as vision and ocular movement.  He spent an extended time in the ICU before months of inpatient/outpatient rehabilitation in which he continues to be an active participant.  Matt is a fighter and determined to independently walk again.  He’s excited to continue coaching this upcoming season as his stroke previously kept him from attending the district and state tournaments this past year.  Matt does not consider himself a stroke victim … He is a stroke survivor and will continue to keep up his fight!