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Matt Litzinger, former UND champion thrower, passes away at 41

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 10, 2026, 2:35 PM

Last updated Jul 10, 2026

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Summary

Matt Litzinger, a graduate of Grand Forks Central and former national champion javelin thrower at the University of North Dakota, died on June 30, 2026, at the age of 41. Known for his exceptional competitiveness, Litzinger is remembered for his achievements in track and field, including winning the 2008 NCAA Division II championship in javelin. He still holds the Central javelin record with a throw of 195 feet, 6 inches. Litzinger's athletic career culminated during a pivotal transition for UND when it moved to NCAA Division I competition. Beyond athletics, he worked as an air traffic controller in Grand Forks and is survived by his wife and three children.

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By the Numbers

•Litzinger was an all-conference linebacker in high school.
•He won the NCAA Division II national championship in javelin in 2008.
•Litzinger held the javelin record at Grand Forks Central.
•He was known for his supportive nature toward fellow competitors.
•He worked as an air traffic controller after his athletic career.

Latest Updates

2:35 PMYahoo Sports — Grand Forks Central graduate, former UND national champion thrower remembered as ultimate competitor

What they're saying

"
Jul. 10—GRAND FORKS — Matt Litzinger didn't have the tall, long-arm ideal build of a javelin thrower. What he lacked in height, though, Litzinger — a standout at Grand Forks Central and UND — made up for in what former teammates call a ferocious competitiveness. "He refused to lose," former Central teammate Kyle Richardson said. "He's the best competitor I've ever been around." "He was such a ...
— Yahoo Sports

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Yahoo SportsJul 10, 2026, 2:35 PM
Grand Forks Central graduate, former UND national champion thrower remembered as ultimate competitor
Jul. 10—GRAND FORKS — Matt Litzinger didn't have the tall, long-arm ideal build of a javelin thrower. What he lacked in height, though, Litzinger — a standout at Grand Forks Central and UND — made up for in what former teammates call a ferocious competitiveness. "He refused to lose," former Central teammate Kyle Richardson said. "He's the best competitor I've ever been around." "He was such a ...

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