Matt Gonzales' career at UNM ended with no first-place finishes in national championship meets.
He came in second at the 2004 NCAA Championship cross country meet and third place in the 10,000-meter run at the 2003 NCAA Track and Field Championships.
He's not too happy about it either, especially since he's now an ex-Lobo, Gonzales said.
"I'm just a little frustrated and disappointed in not getting the national championship," he said. "I didn't get my last shot at it."
Gonzales - one of the best long-distance runners in school history - would have headed to the 2005 NCAA Championships as one of the favorites to try for first place in either the 5,000 or 10,000 meters.
He didn't get that chance because his grandfather became ill, forcing him to take some time off school. He said he asked for an extension but did not hear back from one of his teachers until right before the Mountain West Conference meet. He was given a withdrawal, which made him ineligible for the rest of the season.
"I kind of feel like I got the raw end of the deal," Gonzales said.
However, Gonzales said he knows he has a lot to be positive about and a lot to be proud of.
After finding out about the withdrawal, and with his eligibility at UNM over, Gonzales decided to turn pro. He had offers from shoe companies such as Asics, Nike, Reebok and Adidas and plans to decide which one to sign with next week. He also hired an agent, Peter Stubbs.
"I'm very excited about it," he said. "Ever since I was a kid, just like every athlete, I've dreamed of being pro," he said.
Gonzales finished his UNM career as a six-time college All-American in cross country and track.
"There aren't a lot of athletes that graduated from this institution that compare to Matt," said Matt Henry, head track and cross country coach.
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Beyond the stellar performances at the collegiate level, Gonzales has proven he is ready to compete in the professional ranks as well.
After his third-place finish in the 10,000 meters at the NCAA Track and Field Championships, he competed in the 10,000 meters at the USA Track and Field Championships. He ran to an 11th-place finish among 19 of the nation's best professional and collegiate runners.
The next summer he qualified for the 2004 Olympic trials and needed to finish fourth or better in the preliminary heat of the 10,000 meters. In the finals, he needed to finish third or higher to make it to Greece. Gonzales finished sixth. Despite being disappointed in missing the Olympics, Gonzales was happy to be able to compete in the trials.
Gonzales said although he's turning pro, he will not cut off all ties with Henry and the UNM program.
Henry recognizes that the relationship he has with Gonzales is a special one.
"He is more than just an athlete to me, he's a friend, and that means a lot to me," Henry said.
Gonzales said he is still a few years from hitting his peak, and he has about ten more years left in his running career.
Now all he needs is that first-place finish.
