Matt Scherer, a former Oregon Ducks track athlete and professional pacer, died suddenly and mysteriously last week at the age of 38. His cause of death has not been disclosed, leaving his friends, family and fans in shock and grief.
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A Stellar Career Cut Short
Scherer was a standout sprinter and relay runner who competed for the University of Oregon from 2003 to 2006. He was a nine-time All-American and a Pac-10 champion in the 400m. He also ran the anchor leg of the school-record 4x400m relay team that finished third at the NCAA Championships in 2005. His personal best in the 400m was 45.19 seconds, one of the fastest times in Oregon history.
After graduating from Oregon, Scherer pursued a professional career in track and field, specializing in pacing. He helped many of the top 800m and 1500m runners in the world achieve their best times and break records. He was known for his consistency, reliability and professionalism as a pacer. He also ran the 400m leg of the American record-setting indoor distance medley relay team in 2010.
A Beloved Friend and Colleague
Scherer was more than just a talented athlete. He was also a kind, generous and humble person who made a positive impact on everyone he met. He was a co-founder and the Chief Operating Officer of RunnerSpace, a company that produces and distributes track and field content online. He was instrumental in the growth and success of the company, as well as a mentor and friend to his co-workers.
“Matt was definitely a grind-it-out type of guy,” Scott Bush, a fellow Illinoisan who witnessed some of Scherer’s high school heroics, said. “He had that Midwest work ethic and was ‘Midwest Nice.’ Matt exemplified both of those ideas to perfection.”
“Matt the athlete was about doing the work, working together and getting the result that you’re shooting for,” Bush added.
“First off, it’s just hard to believe he’s gone,” videographer Ian Terpin said. “We’ve been working together and interacting on a daily basis for more than 10 years. I’m still wrapping my mind around it. I never lost a friend this close.”
“On the track, he could be an intimidating character,” Matt Barnhart said. “He was big and imposing and wore dark shades. But once you got to know him, he was a little bit shy and thoughtful and kind. He’s one of the most considerate people I have ever met.”
A Tragic Loss for the Track Community
Scherer’s death has left a huge void in the track and field world, as well as in the lives of his loved ones. His passing has also raised questions about his health and the possible factors that contributed to his demise. Some sources have speculated that Scherer may have suffered from myocarditis, a rare but serious inflammation of the heart muscle that has been linked to COVID-19 and its vaccines. However, there is no official confirmation or evidence to support this claim.
According to RunnerSpace, Scherer collapsed during the 2021 NCAA Cross-Country Championships while competing for the University of Oregon. He had received his COVID booster two weeks earlier. He complained about problems with his heart and doctors worked to bring down his heart rate.
It is unclear whether Scherer had any underlying medical conditions or if his death was related to his vaccination status. His family has not released any details about his cause of death or his funeral arrangements.
What is clear, however, is that Scherer was a remarkable person who touched many lives with his talent, passion and kindness. He will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by the track and field community and beyond.
