Matt Barber hired as @UofDallas Cross Country, Track & Field Head Coach

IRVING, Texas - The University of Dallas (UD) is pleased to announce that former student-athlete Matt Barber ('13) has been named as the men's and women's cross country, track & field head coach.

A native of Fort Worth, Texas, Barber was a two-year letterwinner (2012-13) for the UD men's track & field team.

With the navy and white competing as members of the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC), Barber earned two All-SCAC honors -- 200-Meter Dash and 400-Meter Dash -- in his junior year, and four -- 4x100-Meter Relay, 4x400-Meter Relay, 200-Meter Dash and 400-Meter Dash -- in his senior year. These accomplishments took place at the SCAC Men's Track & Field Championships. 

He set school records on the individual level in the 200-Meter Dash (22.41) and 400-Meter Dash (50.07). Additionally, Barber helped navigate the Crusaders to a school-record time in the 4x100-Meter Relay (44.63), 4x800-Meter Relay (8:41.99) and Distance Medley Relay (10:59.52).

Active in campus life, Barber was also a member of Crusaders for Kids. He recruited for the organization at university social events, and provided companionship to hospitalized children.

In May 2013, Barber -- who landed on the 2013 Men's Track & Field Spring Student-Athlete Academic Honor Roll -- obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Theology from UD.

He went on to teach Theology and serve as a track & field assistant coach at John Paul II High School (Plano, Texas).

During the 2013-14 academic-year, Barber developed and delivered curricular content to between 13-30 students at a time. He administered assessments, evaluated results, documented student progress, and also conferenced with administrators, parents and students. 

Barber coached the Cardinals in long-distance running, jumps, relays and sprints, advising student-athletes in the areas of form and technique.

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