PROGRESSING from the Arkansas high school state record-holder in the two-mile run to an NAIA All-America finish, Matt Pearson strove to carry his athletic abilities to the next level as he entered John Brown University in the fall of 1981.

RUNNING for four years in cross country and track, Matt accomplished many goals along the way. He first earned the status of NCCAA All-America honors with a second-place finish at the National Championships in 1982. Matt went on to win the individual titles at the NCCAA National Championships in 1983 and 1984. He also became an All-America winner in outdoor track at the NCCAA National Championships in the spring of 1985 when he won the 5,000-meter event.

IN the fall of 1984, the highlight of Matt's career came at the NAIA National Cross Country Championships in Kenosha, Wisc. After years of commitment, two-a-day workouts, and thousands of miles, hard work met opportunity on that cold November day. Competing against over 350 other runners, Matt met the challenge by turning in a top-25 performance to earn NAIA All-America distinctions.

DURING his competitive career at John Brown University, Matt was honored twice for his athletic achievements, being named the JBU Male Athlete of the Year in 1984 and 1985.

ENTHUSIASM and effort were combined to bring the success Matt enjoyed during his athletic career at John Brown University.