Matt Singleton, the freshman on a mission

With a time of 17:01 for his first 5k as a high school cross country runner, Matt Singleton has already gained the 11th spot on the high school record list. After only two meets, Singleton has become a prominent runner for the varsity cross country team as a new freshman.

Singleton has already broken 3 records for the Harmon Middle School Track team. During his 2017 track season, he was able to break the mile time at a Suburban League meet by about 9 seconds. In 2018, his mile record was shaved down to a 4:43 from his previous 4:51 time and Singleton smashed the 800m by 12 seconds, finishing with a time of 2:05. He, along with Aiden Henderson, Matt Studer, and Ryan Kotora, also broke the 4x400 m relay which had before been a 7 year old record.

Although he never broke any cross country records, Singleton earned himself 1st place in all 10 meets during his 2017 season. He improved his own time from his 7th grade year for the 1.9 mile by 26 seconds as well.

Singleton grew up surrounded by his parent’s running successes. Gazing at the walls of his basement which was lined with medals, running with his parents in small races, and expressing his admiration of their accomplishments was only smalls steps to his huge dedication for the sport. His first goal based off of only “wanting to be like them.”

As time passes, Singleton’s interest and commitment to running grows dramatically with new ways for him to stay in shape and on top of his game. He focuses on his diet, training, and rest, by doing research on what’s truly best for his body. A growing passion of Singleton’s is his importance of foods, including vegetables in his daily diet and little to no red meat. Training everyday and getting enough rest is also important to him.

Aurora High School has presented Singleton with many new challenges from his school work to his after school activities. He decidedly wants to go to the University of Oregon and plans on continuing to take honors and AP classes to get scholarships for a school out of state.

Singleton said, “School is my number 1 focus right now because grades always come first.”

Not only has the difficulty of his academics changed, but also has his sport. High school is much more competitive than middle school and has caused Matt to train even harder than before. He mentions feeling a closer net between his team than before and has a new appreciation for running because of his experiences so far.

Tracie England, Singleton’s middle school coach, continues to be very proud of his middle school achievements explaining how “likeable and hard working” he was since the beginning of 2016.

England said, “I am extremely happy to have had the opportunity to work with Matt. He is a hard training athlete who listens and researches and does everything that he can to improve and reach his goals.”

His current coach, Laura Bell, is also looking forward to the season with him. Although she is only just starting to get to know Singleton, her views of his character are high and encouraging as she can see the promise in his running career.

In the near future, Singleton plans to join the track team, but wants continue to train in the winter. He hopes to run indoor track with fellow athlete, Robbie Taylor, who has helped to push Singleton this season.

Singleton encourages more people to join him. “It would be nice to have a friend with me on a team of people I don't know yet!”

Singleton’s ultimate goal is to one day represent the USA in the Olympic Games, but he would be equally as happy to be able to run until he simply can’t anymore. He truly has a passion and admiration for every aspect of the sport which many people aspire to have.

In other words, “I don’t run to win, I run because I love it,” Matt (Mateo) Singleton.