Former WSU Runner Qualifies for U.S. Olympic Trials
Release courtesy of the Wayne State University Sports Information Department
Former Wayne State University cross country letterwinner Matt
Fecht (2003-05), who has also recently served as an assistant coach
with the Warrior cross country programs, qualified for the U.S.
Olympic Trials next January after completing Grandma's Marathon
today in Duluth, Minn., in a time of 2:18.52.
The 27-year-old native of Warren, finished 29th out of 1,928
runners in the race and 11th out of the 568 males in his age
bracket (19-34).
A 2005 NCAA Division II All-American after placing 30th (24th in
team scoring) at the NCAA Championship, Fecht eclipsed the previous
marathon qualifying standard of 2:22 at the October 10, 2010,
Chicago Marathon finishing in a time of 2:21:46 but recently the
United States Track and Field modified the qualifying time to
2:19.
Fecht will compete in the 2012 USATF Marathon on January 14, 2012,
in Houston, Texas. The races will determine the three men and
three women who will represent the United States in the marathon at
the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
"Stuff like this is not supposed to happen to a kid from Detroit,"
said a rather excited Fecht earlier today. "I can't believe
it. I've put a good chunk of my miles in Downtown Detroit and
now this proves you can come to Wayne State, put in your work and
make it to the U.S. Olympic Trials.
"This is a great day for the program, the althletic department,
and the university as a whole," added Fecht. "I am very
honored to have the support of the athletic department behind me
for so many years as I trained. This has been a long journey
to a big goal.... and I can't thank Rick (Cummins) and the rest of
the cross country teams that I was a part of as a runner and also
as a coach -- they all have played such a big part of my
success."
WSU head cross country coach Rich Cummins, who has also ran
numerous marathons, stated "What a great day for Matt. He has
worked so hard for this. It has been his goal since he
completed his last cross (country) race at WSU. He has had
the admiration and respect of his former teammates for truly giving
all he has to pursue his dream. This is such a special day
for him, Nick (Allen), Joe (Verellen), Ryan (Molloy), and Mike
(Buslepp). Those guys have run a ton of miles with Matt and
accompanied him on many jaunts throughout the Midwest. I am
very happy for them. They were burning up my phone today following what was unfolding in
Minnesota. When the going gets tough those are five guys that
I'd want on my side. The fact that they have stuck
together to help Matt keep the dream alive makes me very proud to
be a part of this program," added Cummins.
