Aquinas College Women's Track & Field

Brian is entering his third year of coaching at Aquinas. A diver by craft, but a pole vaulter at heart, Brian took a leap into coaching pole vault and hasn't looked back. Primarily coaching high school and club pole vault, the transition has stoked the fire of excitement for this sport. He is thankful for the opportunity to guide the pole vault crew for the Saints, and looking forward to reestablishing this program as one of the best in the nation.

Matt Burton is in his first full season as the jumps coach for both the men’s and women’s track and field teams. He initially joined the program during the winter of last year, bringing with him over 25 years of coaching experience from East Kentwood High School—one of Michigan’s premier track and field programs. At East Kentwood, Burton led the boys’ and girls’ long jump and high jump disciplines. Under his guidance, the program achieved remarkable success, winning 28 OK Red Conference Championships, 36 Regional Championships, 18 MITCA Team State Championships, 8 MHSAA State Championships, and 1 New Balance National Championship. Throughout his tenure, Burton coached more than 40 athletes to All-State honors in the jumping events and guided five to individual state titles. Notably, he coached East Kentwood’s first-ever female state champion in track and field, who captured the high jump title. In recognition of his impact, Burton was named the MITCA Assistant High School Coach of the Year last winter. Now retired from teaching, Burton serves full-time at Aquinas. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Psychology from Central Michigan University, where he also competed as a long and triple jumper on the track and field team. He earned his teaching certificate from Grand Valley State University and later completed a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership at Western Michigan University.