Upper Iowa University Athletics

Matt Rueckert enters his 22nd year in 2024-25 at Upper Iowa University overall, and his 18th year as the Peacocks' Head Athletic Trainer, a position he was promoted to in July 2007. Rueckert was an Assistant Athletic Trainer at UIU during his first four years on staff. In September 2021, Rueckert added the title of Associate Athletic Director for Sports Medicine due to his tremendous role during UIU's handling of the pandemic.

Rueckert is in charge of coverage for the football and the men's and women's golf programs and much more. He is also an adjunct instructor in the EXSS department teaching Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries. Rueckert is also the sport administrator for the strength and conditioning coaching staff.

Before arriving at UIU, Rueckert was a graduate assistant at Furman University in Greenville, S.C. where he received his master's degree in health and exercise science. While at Furman, Rueckert served as a graduate assistant athletic trainer for the Paladin volleyball, baseball and men’s and women's tennis teams.

Rueckert is originally from Columbus Junction, Iowa and is a 2001 graduate of Upper Iowa University with a bachelor's degree in athletic training.

In the summer of 2006, Matt was hired to work for ReelSports Solutions Inc. as the athletic trainer for the movie The Final Season.

Matt and his wife Kelli, also an Upper Iowa graduate, currently live in Ossian, Iowa, and have two children, daughter Camille and son Callen.