MSOE Athletic Hall of Fame
A stellar long distance runner, Matt Van Beek held multiple school records in cross country and track and field at the time of his graduation. A four year letter-winner in cross country, he was also a varsity member of the track and field team in the program's formative years. In cross country, Van Beek's endurance and swift pace earned him Lake Michigan Conference All-Conference selections all four years and he was team MVP and conference champion his junior and senior years.
Van Beek was a pioneer of MSOE's track and field program his junior year, and his athletic and leadership ability were major factors in building the program from its inception in 2001 to a conference championship winning team. Van Beek was already an experienced and competitive runner when the track program was initiated, and he assumed the role of team captain his junior and senior seasons and was a two-time All-Conference selection.
Van Beek strived to achieve his personal best on the trail, track and in the classroom. He was selected as an Academic All-American for cross country his junior year, one of the greatest conference honors for academic and athletic achievement. He continued to be a leader in cross country and track and field at MSOE after graduation as an assistant coach of both teams.
Matt Van Beek's accomplishments and his devotion to growing MSOE cross country and track and field into reputable, strong programs exemplifies an MSOE student-athlete's determination, pride and strength of character.