St. Thomas Aquinas senior Matthew Butler made it to the 4A State Finals in the 1600 meter run and as a member of the 4x800 meter relay. However, the thought of advancing in three events came to an end after he finished fifth in the 800 at the 4A Region 4 Championships. Instead of calling that the last two lapper of his high school career, Butler looked for more postseason opportunities. This past weekend he made the eight hour trek to Tallahassee to compete against collegiates at the FSU Twilight meet. He says the meet gave him another opportunity to qualify for Junior Nationals, since he didn't have a chance at states.
"I didn't prepare any different than I would any other race. The college athletes were all in my time range so I just saw them as more competition. I wanted to stick with the top group the first lap which I was hoping was around 54 seconds which it was. I wanted to get into position around 200 meters and then make my move with 150 meters to go and that is what I did."
Butler crossed the line in a new personal best time of 1:52.31. The mark was the third fastest time in the state behind Javon Patterson and Avery Bartlett, and the 20th fastest in the nation in 2014. On hand to witness his run was his sister Jessica, a standout distance runner for the Noles' who is in her senior season. He says she was one of his biggest influences when it came to getting into the sport.
"It meant a lot to have her there. She's never seen me run the 800. This being her first time seeing me on her home track was really great."
FSU is also a track that he would like to call home in the future. Butler has been accepted to the school and hopes to sign on with the Seminoles.
More Coverage
- Matt's Athlete Profile
- St. Thomas Aquinas Team Page
- FSU Twilight Results
- Class Of 2014 Signings List
