Central Washington University Athletics

2024-2025: As a freshman, Matthew trained hard through the fall and winter in order to compete as a decathlete for the Wildcats. In the Central Washington Wildcat Opener meet, Matthew had two event personal records in the decathlon and placed first in the triple jump individual event. He went on to place first in the long jump with a PR of 6.75m and fifth in the triple jump at the Whitworth Jeffrahn Classic meet. At the second home meet of the year, Matthew placed third in both the 110 meter hurdles and high jump. He qualified for the Outdoor GNAC Championship in the decathlon, high jump, long jump, and triple jump. He finished eighth in the decathlon- with six event personal records and an overall decathlon point personal record as well! Matthew then went on to get second in the triple jump individual event with another PR jump of 13.90m, bringing home his first Wildcat medal. He placed sixth in the high jump and eighth in the long jump at the Outdoor GNAC Championships. 
Background: Matthew Bender comes to Central Washington University after finishing a successful senior campaign at Eastmont High School. Specializing in the high jump, long jump, and triple jump, Bender has consistently showcased his talents in the jumping events throughout his high school career. He earned a pair of Top 10 finishes in the high jump and long jump at the WIAA State Championships this past Spring.
From: East Wenatchee, WA
Year: Freshman
Major: Enviormental Science 
High school: Eastmont High School, 2024 Big Nine Field Athlete of the Year, 5 Track and Field all Conference Nominations, 7 Varsity Letters (Football, Basketball, Track), Honor Roll Throughout all of high school.
Why CWU? I chose CWU because it is close to home, for the academics, and for the track program.
Personal: parents Robert and Kalie Bender, Grandma Joni, Papa Jeff, and Papa Tracey. 3 siblings, one older and two younger (Macey, Morgan, Maddox). My birthday is February 3rd, 2006.