Hall of Fame
Matt Byington (Lincoln, Neb.) was a three-time National Champion in the 800 meters during his career with the Nebraska Wesleyan track & field program. As a senior in 2000, Byington won both the indoor 800 national title at the NAIA and NCAA III Indoor Championships.
Named the Central Region Athlete of the Year, Byington set the school record in the 800 meters at the NAIA Indoor Championships held at the Devaney Center. His national title in the 800 at the NCAA III Indoor championships helped the NWU men claim the title of top-ranked team in the power rankings. His first national title came at the 1999 NCAA III Outdoor Championships.
Byington won the NIAC Indoor Championship in the 1,000 meters helping NWU to the team title. He was a four-time NIAC champion winning the 1,000 twice, the 880 indoors and 800 outdoors.
The Lincoln Pius X graduate was a five-time All-American and a national qualifier in all four years of competition. He finished with 12 All-Conference awards, finishing first or second seven times at the NIAC meet. Byington finished his career by setting four school records, and still holds the NWU record for indoor 800 and outdoor sprint medley relay.
