06/23/2026
Next Gen is in for a real treat tomorrow night as Boogie Man member Matthew Barraza speaks at both sessions on what it takes to be a champion! He distinguished himself as an exceptional athlete in both Cross Country and Track and Field during his career at SHS. He is a 10-time State Champion making him one of the most decorated male cross country and track athletes in Scottsbluff High School history.
In Cross Country, Matthew’s accomplishments were remarkable. He was a four-time individual District Meet Champion (2011-14) and a three-time individual Nebraska State Meet Champion winning titles in 2012, 2013, and 2014. As the leading Bearcat runner throughout all four years of his high school career, Matthew helped guide his teams to three Nebraska State Class B Championship titles in 2011, 2013, and 2014 and a runner-up finish in 2012. Matthew was a four-time member of the Nebraska Coaches Association All “Super State” Cross Country Teams and a finalist for the prestigious Nebraska Gatorade Cross Country Runner of the Year in 2013. Throughout his career, Matthew set multiple SHS cross country school records, including the all-time fastest 5K at 15:35 set in 2014 and established class records in the 5K as a freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior.
Matthew’s success continued on the Track and Field team. At the Nebraska State Track & Field Meet, he was a two-time Class B state champion in the 1600 meter run, winning titles in 2014 and 2015. As a member of the 3200 meter relay team, he added two additional state titles in 2013 and 2015. At the district meet level, he was a two-time champion in the 1600 meter run (2014 and 2015) and also claimed titles in the 3200 meter run, 800 meter run, and the 3200 meter relay at the 2014 district meet. In recognition of his outstanding performances, Matthew was named the Star Herald Boys Track and Field Athlete of the Year in 2014. Following graduation, he continued his athletic career as a member of the University of Wyoming Track and Field team.
Matthew Barraza was inducted into the Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame in 2024 as a member of the SHS “Dominant Dynasty” Cross Country Teams of 1995-2014.