Junior hurdler Matthew Tyeskie has made a notable comeback for the Little Rock Trojans, returning from a serious Achilles injury to break school and conference records, according to an April 14 announcement.
Tyeskie’s journey highlights the challenges athletes face after major injuries and the determination required to return to top form. His recovery underscores the importance of support from coaches and medical staff in collegiate athletics.
Tyeskie, who joined Little Rock after a standout high school career in Kilgore, Texas, was quickly recognized by head coach J.P. Behnke for his talent and academic strength. “Matthew was a highly recruited hurdler from Texas who was also a strong student academically,” Behnke said. The presence of former teammates on the Trojans influenced his decision to sign with the team.
During his freshman year, Tyeskie helped lead Little Rock to sweep both indoor and outdoor Ohio Valley Conference championships in 2024. He finished as the sixth-ranked freshman nationally in the 110-meter hurdles and broke an OVC record with a time of 13.70 seconds. “Matthew definitely exceeded expectations his freshman year, winning the OVC and being one of the top freshman hurdlers in the country,” Behnke said.
However, Tyeskie suffered a full Achilles tear in November 2024, sidelining him for his sophomore season. Despite this setback, he remained focused on rehabilitation: “Delayed does not mean denied. The injury itself hasn’t defined me… It fortified my discipline and strengthened my faith,” Tyeskie said.
Behnke credited both Tyeskie’s determination and support staff: “He started rehab immediately after surgery and was ahead of schedule every step of the way.” Fourteen months later at the Ohio Valley Conference Indoor Championships, Tyeskie won gold in the 60-meter hurdles with a time of 7.83 seconds—setting new school and conference records.
Reflecting on his achievement, Tyeskie said: “It’s a testament to those around me… I couldn’t have done it without my coaches giving me the opportunity…and our training and medical staff helping and encouraging me every step of the way.”
