BREAKING: Matt Wisner to Finish Eligibility at Oregon

In early April, The Stride Report learned that Matt Wisner was exploring transfer options for graduate school. Earlier today, Wisner announced that he will be finishing his eligibility at the University of Oregon. He will have one season of outdoor track eligibility remaining.

The Pennsylvania native thrived in the middle distance events during his time with the Duke Blue Devils. Wisner was a two-time national qualifier in the 800 meters, owning a personal best of 1:48.04 and a flat-track converted time of 1:47.68. Unfortunately, Wisner was unable to compete at the Indoor National Championships this past winter due to concerns surrounding COVID-19 which ultimately cancelled the meet. Wisner also owns personal bests of 2:25 (1k) and 3:49 (1500).

The half-mile ace joins an Oregon group that is slowly developing an impressive contingent of middle distance stars under coach Ben Thomas. This past winter, both Luis Peralta and James West ran 1:48 for 800 meters and found themselves in qualifying positions for the National Championships (although West would scratch out of the event). The Ducks' roster also includes 1:49 runners Charlie Hunter and Miles Owens (a transfer from William & Mary).

Wisner will team up with coach Ben Thomas who has had incredible success developing athletes in the 800 meters. Prior to becoming the distance coach at Oregon, Thomas oversaw the Virginia Tech distance team. At one point, the Hokies roster held a group of athletes which included Drew Piazza, Neil Gourley, Patrick Joseph and Vincent Ciattei.

All four of those men had collegiate bests of 1:47 or faster.

Wisner will be a uniquely perfect fit for the Oregon men. The Ducks did not consistently emphasize the 800 meters prior to Thomas' arrival. That, however, has since changed. Pairing rising sophomore Luis Peralta with an accomplished veteran like Matt Wisner should push both athletes to greater heights while giving Peralta an experienced national contender to learn from before he transitions out of his underclassman role.

Earlier in the week, 8:53 steeplechaser Steve Neumaier also announced that he was transferring to Oregon for graduate school.