Matt Barber
Matt Barber

Bio

Matt Barber completed his fifth year as the men’s track and field head coach in 2019. The former UD track runner has seen his teams combine for 11 school records. The most recent school record includes the 400 Meter Hurdles record broken by Kevin McGuirk in five straight meets in 2019. At the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Championships, McGuirk brought home a gold medal in the 400 Meters Hurldes race for the second first place finish at the conference championships in program history. McGuirk finished ranked seventh in the South/SE Region in the 400 Meters Hurdles. McGurik also notched an all-conference award in Javelin after he finished in third place at the SCAC championships. 

In the 2018 spring season the 400 Meter Hurdles record was broken by Kevin McGuirk and 4x100-Meter Relay by Charles Obegolu, McGuirk, Patrick Andrews, and Prince Giadolor. The latter record was achieved at the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Championship. That quartet in the relay event notched All-SCAC Third Team Honors with a third place finish. Joseph Kilmer topped the one mile record time at the 2018 Bulldog Relays.

McGuirk was voted Team MVP for his continual dedication as one of the most versatile student-athletes on the team. Each of his first two seasons featured participation in seven events. This past spring, McGuirk added throws to his repertoire with the Javelin.

Altogether, the Crusaders have been tabbed with 12 All-Conference Awards, which requires a top-three finish at the league championships. Highlighting a good portion was 2016 Newcomer of the Year, Giadolor. He shattered the school record in the 100 Meter-Dash, which also took first for UD’s first SCAC Title. He added noteworthy finishes on the 200 Meters-Dash and was part of a dynamic 4x100m Relay. Giadolor would claim USTFCCCA All-Region his first season under Barber's tutelage. McAnany rounded out the unit of all-conference accolades in the 1,500 and received the honor consecutive years.

The classroom success reflects 33 students being named to the SCAC Spring Student-Athlete Academic Honor Roll, including eight the spring of 2018.

Barber, a 2013 graduate at the University of Dallas with a Bachelor of Arts in Theology, joined the coaching staff for his alma mater a little over a year later. He coached his first season with the track and field team in 2015, which he lettered in for two seasons as a student-athlete.

The native of Fort Worth, Texas, lettered two years and remains the program record holder in the 400 Meters (50:07) and Distance Medley Relay. He landed on the 2013 Men’s Track & Field Spring Student-Athlete Academic Honor Roll.

Barber was active on campus, with involvement as a member of Crusaders for Kids. He recruited for the organization at university social events and provided companionship to hospitalized children.

Prior to coaching at Dallas, Barber taught Theology and served as a track & field assistant coach at John Paul II High School in Plano, Texas. 

Barber holds a USA Track & Field Level I (Coach) designation, and is AED, CPR and First Aid certified.