Legendary high school football coach and long-time University of Arkansas
assistant football coach and administrator Wilson Matthews died late Sunday
night at the age of 80.
A member of the athletic department since 1958, Matthews was instrumental
in the growth of UA athletic programs as a coach, an administrator and a
goodwill ambassador for the Razorbacks.
"Wilson was the one who taught me how to be a true Arkansawyer," Arkansas
athletic director Frank Broyles said. "He was invaluable to me in decision
making regarding the Razorback program and its fans. I never made a decision
regarding the future of our program without asking Wilson for his input. He
was instrumental in helping elevate fan support around the state from a
healthy enthusiasm to an unbridled passion for the Razorbacks.
"He had a unique relationship with his players that bonded them both to him
and the school for a lifetime. His players loved and respected him
immensely. His passing is a tremendous loss for our state, the University
and the entire Razorback family."
Matthews took on administrative duties in 1973 after a successful football
coaching career. He served as an assistant and then associate athletic
director until 1992 when he assumed the title of associate athletic director
emeritus.
Matthews assisted Broyles with departmental administration for more than
four decades including working with the academic-athletic scholarship
program and Razorback Clubs all over the state. His plan of ticket
prioritizing was responsible for the athletic department's fmancial
independence and has become a cornerstone for success in all Razorback
sports.
His outstanding accomplishments didn't go unnoticed. He was enshrined
in the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame and was inducted into the Razorback Hall of
Honor, the Arkansas Tech Hall of Distinction and the Arkansas High School
Coaches Hall of Fame.
The 3,800-square foot Wilson Matthews "A" Club, located on the east side of
Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium, was named in his honor. Matthews was
also recognized last fall as one of the "difference makers" in Razorback
athletics. A monument in his honor was established in the Razorback Honors
Plaza in front of the Broyles Center.
He received perhaps his greatest national honor when he was named a
Distinguished American by the Arkansas Chapter of the National Football
Foundation and Hall of Fame.
Matthews joined the Razorbacks in January 1958 after building an incredible
record at Little Rock Central High School. He coached the defensive ends
and linebackers at Arkansas before taking administrative duties in 1969. He
continued to coach the freshmen until being named assistant athletic
director in 1973. As a varsity coach, Matthews coached two All-Americans
and eight All-Southwest Conference players. During his tenure the Hogs
appeared in eight bowl games.
He had possibly one of the finest success stories in all of Arkansas prep
history. At Little Rock Central, his teams won 10 state championships in
11 years and posted a remarkable record of 111-14-3, losing only three
games to in-state teams.
Rogers (Ark.) High School was where Matthews began his coaching career in
1944. He led his squad to a 7-3 fmish before moving to Central as an
assistant. His first Tiger teams went 12-0-1 in 1947 and 9-1-1 in 1948.
His next two teams finished 10-1 and 10-2. In 1951, his team was 9-3 but a
one-point loss to North Little Rock that season was the last defeat a
Matthews-coached Central team had against competition from Arkansas. The
Tigers were undefeated in the state the next six years.
Matthews led the Tigers to unbeaten seasons in 1956 and 1957, and left the
school with a 33-game winning streak. His 1957 team was ranked No.1
nationally.
A native of Atkins, Ark., Matthews played football at Atkins High, Arkansas
Tech, Arkansas and with the Monticello Marine-Navy team. He earned his
bachelor's degree and his master's in education from Arkansas. Matthews
also served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II.
He is survived by three sons and two daughters in law, David and Anna
Matthews of Hershey, Pa., Scott Matthews of Rogers, Ark. and Bruce and
Linda Matthews of Springdale, Ark., and four grandchildren, Matthew, Drew,
Mark and Leah. He was born in Atkins, the son of the late Omer and Ester
Matthews. He was preceded in death by his wife Martha Lou Matthews.