Welcome to the 13th Annual Matt Kero Memorial Invitational. The Kero family and the
Denfeld Track Program appreciates Carlton-Wrenshall, Cromwell-Wright, Duluth East,
Hastings, Hermantown, South Ridge, Proctor, Cook County, McGregor, Moose Lake-Willow
River, Silver Bay, Lakeview Christian Academy, Two Harbors, Marshall School and Stella
Maris Academy for being a part of this event. We also appreciate all the fans attending
and volunteers for making this annual track and field meet possible to honor a great young
man a memorable day.

Matthew Thomas Kero passed away on August 22, 2011 of natural causes. He had just
graduated from Denfeld High School and was to attend The College of Saint Scholastica in
the fall and compete on the cross country and track teams.

While attending Denfeld and Central, Matt was an accomplished cross country runner,
hockey player and member of the track and field team. He earned 13 varsity letters and
was captain in all three sports. He was a four-time all-conference honoree in cross
country, 2nd team all-conference as a senior in hockey, and was an eight time all-conference
performer in track. He qualified for three state cross country meets and as a senior
qualified for state in the 1600 run and 1600 relay in track. He also led the 2011 track
team to the Lake Superior Conference team title.

For all of Matt’s athletic accomplishments, he was even a greater young man in character
and heart. Anyone who met Matt knew the true definition of work ethic and
determination. Matt was such a special person, he touched two high schools in Denfeld and
Central. Ask anyone who was blessed enough to have Matt a part of their lives and they
will tell you what a smile and friendship from Matt meant to them.

Today’s meet is to pay tribute to Matt’s legacy. So to honor him we ask the fans to cheer
from their heart. We ask the coaches to make a difference in their athlete’s lives. We
ask the athletes to give everything they have, because that is what Matt lived by. He led
his life by the famous Steve Prefontaine quote, “To give anything less than your best is to
sacrifice the gift.”

Enjoy the meet everyone!!!

Thank you!