Heading into the indoor national championships that never were, Matt Wilkinson was ranked first in both the 3k and the 5k. It was the next logical step for the cross-country runner-up.

Wilkinson was a credentialed high school athlete out of Minnesota with a division one or nothing mentality. After becoming familiar with the accomplishments of fellow Minnetonka High School alum, Will Leer, he opened his eyes to Division three institutions. Feeling a strong connection with Coach Dave Ricks, he committed to Carleton.

He struggled in his freshman campaign, experiencing a period of stagnation for the first time in his young career. It didn’t take long to right the ship. He captured his first All-America award the following year in cross country, finished 6th indoors in the 5k, and 4th place outdoors in his breakthrough event - the steeplechase.

We covered Matt’s progression in his training and his racing, his life outside of athletics (he’s sings in an ‘Australian punk’ band), and how he’s handling this unprecedented time in athletics.

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