To start the 2025-26 athletic year at Cal State East Bay, our first Pioneer Spotlight shines on men's cross country and track & field runner Matthew Morgon. When Morgon arrived at Cal State East Bay, he wasn't just looking for a place to run, he was searching for a place to grow. The chance to compete at a high level in cross country and track while pursuing a respected business degree made East Bay the perfect fit. After visiting the campus and seeing the facilities firsthand, Morgon knew he had found the right place to continue his journey.
"I chose Cal State East Bay because it was a great opportunity to attend school locally and compete in athletics at a high level," says Morgon. "East Bay's strong business program drew me to enroll, and after seeing the campus and facilities, I knew it was going to be a great fit."
Now in his fourth year as a Pioneer, Morgon has experienced the full range of challenges and triumphs that come with competing in collegiate athletics. From the nervous excitement of his first collegiate cross country race to lining up against some of the best runners in the West Region, his growth has been steady and intentional.
"Competing at the Division II regional level for cross country and being part of such a competitive conference constantly motivates me to become a better runner," Morgon explained. "The mentors and coaches I've met at East Bay have played a key role in shaping me into a stronger athlete, and the championship racing experience I've gained since my freshman year has prepared me to stand up to tough competition. The other athletes and teammates I've met over the years have been incredible to spend time with both in and out of practice, many of whom I'm sure will be lifelong friends."
One of Morgon's most memorable moments came during his sophomore year on the track, when he tackled the steeplechase, which was fairly new to him that season. His grit and preparation paid off, as he earned a bronze medal at the CCAA Championships in Turlock.
"Earning bronze in the steeplechase will undoubtedly go down as one of the highlights of my college running career," Morgon recalled. "Still relatively new to the event at the time, I was determined to be competitive and had a podium finish in mind as a goal for that race. Achieving that meant a lot, and I was thrilled to celebrate with my teammates afterward. My team is the best, their support and cheering during that race helped me believe in myself."
Behind the medals and milestones, Morgon's journey has also included its obstacles.
"My athletic journey at East Bay hasn't come without setbacks or challenges," Morgon said. "I've dealt with several running-related injuries that required patience and time to recover. During my freshman year, I had to overcome a foot injury that left me in a boot for several weeks. At the same time, our program was undergoing coaching changes, but my upperclassmen teammates helped me stay on course during that period of transition."
Looking ahead, Morgon envisions a future that balances both his passion for athletics and his professional goals. He sees himself continuing to run either competitively or casualy, while also giving back through coaching. With a degree in Business Administration on the horizon, he hopes to pursue opportunities in fields such as real estate, combining his education with his drive to succeed.
"I'm interested in using my experience in distance running to help coach others," Morgon said. "I want to continue running competitively or casually after college, and my major in Business Administration will give me a strong foundation in fields I'm interested in, such as real estate."
For Morgon, his time at Cal State East Bay has been defined by more than just races and results. It has been a journey of resilience, growth, and connection.
Latest Men's Track
- Pioneer Teams and Student-Athletes Collect a Variety of Academic Awards in 2024-25In 2024-25, the academic year once again was outstanding for many Cal State East Bay student-athletes and teams.
- Cal State East Bay Finishes 4th in 2024-25 Hiegert Cup StandingsALISO VIEJO, Calif. - With the 2024-25 athletic year complete in NCAA Division II, the CCAA announced its final standings for the year for the Robert J. Hiegert Commissioner's Cup. Since joining the CCAA, Cal State East Bay had its highest finish in department history, placing fourth among the 12 CCAA member institutions.
- Announcing the 2024-25 Cal State East Bay Athletic AwardsOn Sunday evening inside Pioneer Gymnasium, Cal State East Bay hosted its Pioneer Athletic Awards Banquet, for the first time named 'The Pios'. Student-athletes from Cal State East Bay were honored for athletic, academic and community impact. Men's soccer goalkeeper and 2024-25 SAAC President Kelekolio Mateo Jr. was the emcee for the special event.
- FINAL RECAP: Men's Track & Field at CCAA ChampionshipsTURLOCK, Calif. — Cal State East Bay men's track and field likely wrapped up its 2025 campaign with a sixth-place finish at the CCAA Track & Field Championships presented by Pollo Campero, held Thursday through Saturday at Al Brenda Track at Warrior Stadium on the campus of Stanislaus State. The Pioneers turned in several standout performances, including one individual conference title and personal bests on the field and track. In total, the Pioneers' medal count included a gold and a bronze medal.
- DAY TWO RECAP: Men's Track & Field at CCAA Championships
- DAY ONE RECAP: Men's Track & Field at CCAA Championships
