Ben Matchett appointed director of Dinos Athletics

Over more than two decades, Matchett has become synonymous with Dinos Athletics on the UCalgary campus. At first, he supported a variety of areas within events, marketing and communications, before expanding his role to contribute to enhanced academic success, forming long-lasting and impactful partnerships, and increased services for student-athletes.

I am thrilled to have Ben lead Dinos Athletics. He is passionate about athletics, our student-athletes, our coaches, and our staff and faculty. Ben has been with the University of Calgary for most of his career, and he knows very well what we need and how we can continue to grow and excel. He has also sought out external experiences that have helped him build his leadership skills. As we move back into a competitive season, I am excited to work alongside Ben in ensuring great sport performances, terrific student-athletes, and excellent coaching.

-Dr. Penny Werthner, dean, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary

Matchett began his career at UCalgary as a student and volunteer for Dinos Athletics in 2000. After several years supporting game-day operations, he went on to complete a full-time internship with the Dinos before being hired as marketing and communications co-ordinator in 2006. A year later, he became sports information director and was elevated to assistant athletic director, operations and communications in 2011, a position he held until his promotion to director.

As assistant athletic director, Matchett oversaw the development and execution of the Crowchild Classic series against Mount Royal University, the successful rebrand of the Dinos identity, the hosting of 12 U SPORTS national championship events, and the implementation of communications and marketing strategies that have made the Dinos one of the most recognizable brands in Canadian university sport.

Away from campus, Matchett has been an ambassador for Dinos Athletics, serving in several roles with the Canada West Universities Athletic Association and U SPORTS, while forging relationships across Canada’s sports landscape. Internationally, Matchett has also represented the Dinos and Canada at several World University Games, most recently as the communications manager at the Napoli 2019 Summer Universiade.

As we return to sport this fall, I believe the Dinos are positioned to make some great strides forward - mostly because of the world-class people in our organization. I’m honoured and excited for the opportunity to keep building on our tradition, creating outstanding experiences for our student-athletes and our campus. I’m grateful for the trust placed in me by the faculty and the university, and for the incredible team that I get to continue working with every day. There are some hills to climb, but with the support of our community I’m confident that the future is bright.

-Ben Matchett, director, Dinos Athletics, University of Calgary

A born-and-raised Calgarian, Matchett completed both his Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Arts (Political Science) degrees from the University of Calgary in 2006 and graduated from the Intercollegiate Athletic Leadership Master of Education program at the University of Washington in 2014. 

At UCalgary, Matchett will lead one of the country’s premier athletic departments, both academically and athletically. During 2019-20, 211 varsity student-athletes achieved a minimum 80-per cent average with a full course load. This included a U SPORTS record-breaking single-season total of 204 Academic All-Canadians, bringing UCalgary’s total to 2,598 since the program’s inception in 1990. The Dinos have captured 157 Canada West championships, including five during the 2019-20 season. Additionally, they have won 49 U SPORTS national championships, most recently the Men’s Cross Country title and Football’s Vanier Cup last season.

Media inquiries

Lance Doucet
Digital Media Coordinator, Dinos Athletics
ldoucet@ucalgary.ca
403-993-8122

About the University of Calgary

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