NEW WASHINGTON — The surprise to some is that it just happened officially on Saturday night.
Jim Matthews may have made a name for himself because of the things that happened on the basketball court on Saturday nights in New Washington.
On this particular Saturday though, Matthews officially gave his name to the very court he called home for 30 seasons.
The community of New Wash, along with a handful of Matthews’ former players, assistant coaches and opponents gathered to officially dedicate the James Matthews Gymnasium.
“It’s always been Jim Matthews’ gymnasium,” quipped Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Bennett, a former rival coach of Matthews at Providence and Scottsburg high schools. “This way I guess it always will be.”
A video montage of Matthews’ career highlights was played and a line of speakers gathered to reminisce and honor the man known simply as “Chief” to the small Clark County town.
On a night of friendship and camaraderie, an evening of anecdotes and of history, guests ranging from current New Washington coach Jonathan May to Bennett, one of the highest-ranking elected officials in Indiana shared memories, paid tribute to the longest-tenured unofficial mayor New Washington has ever known.
“Did you get it right New Washington when you named your gym after Jim Matthews?” asked current Charlestown girls’ basketball coach and former athletic director Tony Hall. “Of course, you did. You got it right because Jim Matthews always did things right.”
Most speakers had a quick joke at the coach’s expense, whether it was a story about his struggles with his computer or a crack about his exploits on the golf course.
“I hope you know just because New Wash is doing this tonight, this doesn’t earn you any strokes on the golf course,” joked former Scottsburg head coach and longtime Matthews friend Brady Wells.
“You can name this gym after Jim Matthews, but what he did for this town didn’t stop in these doors,” said former New Washington player and assistant Brian McEwen. “The Matthews family name means a great deal to this entire community. He’s been more than a basketball coach to a lot of people — he’s a friend and a mentor.”
May, who is entering his fourth season as Mustang coach, played for Matthews as a player and said he hopes the current Mustangs in attendance gained a new perspective on the program from taking part in the evening.
“This is a program that means a lot of things to a lot of people,” May said. “I hope my players sitting here tonight see that, because this is a special event and a special program to be part of.”
Current Mustang assistant coach Joe Wood, another former Matthews player who spoke Saturday, said the evening was a perfect tribute to the longtime mentor.
“One day Jonathan and I were standing here in the gym and he said ‘there’s something special about being in this gym.’ It’s only fitting that this gym is named after the man who made it that way.”
“Did you get it right New Washington, naming this gym after Jim?” Tony Hall asked. “Yes you did, because Jim Matthews did it right.”
The evening ended with two of Matthews’s longest-tenured assistants, Jeff Wigginton and Keith Gaffney giving closing remarks. Gaffney joked, “they don’t do this a lot of times when you’re still alive coach, nice work.”
Two of the coach’s’ grandchildren then unveiled the banner that will hang over the court at all future New Washington home games.
It’s another night in the history of New Washington basketball — and once again it has the Jim Matthews’ name written all over it.
Contact Mike Hutsell at mike.hutsell@newsandtribune.com.
Columns
Related Photos
Discussion
HUTSELL: A night we all knew was coming
- Columns
-
-
CLERE: Walkout is absurd
The walkout by Indiana House Democrats entered its third week yesterday as tensions continued to rise and misinformation proliferated.
-
LADD: New Albany has new energy
New Albany is evolving. Public art has become more prevalent in the downtown, drawing more locals and outside visitors to our community; bringing more publicity.
-
STAWAR: I’m not exaggerating, I’m aspiring
Exaggeration is a commonplace phenomenon. For one thing, it lies at the heart of the advertising industry.
-
NASH: Holding officials to higher standards
A few weeks ago in my weekly column, I discussed a growing trend of people, mostly elected officials, who believed that they are above the law.
-
HARBESON: It’s super living in Indiana
My husband and I attend an annual Super Bowl party, which is normally a small gathering of friends, but this year our host’s home was bursting with guests.
-
GESENHUES: The Susan G. Komen precedent
My mom is a breast cancer survivor.
I have walked many a mile in support of the cause and raised a sizable number of dollars for breast cancer research. The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure initiatives are not lost on me. -
BEAM: Just smile
Whispers will soon abound outside of school as the corporation enters negotiations this summer with the teacher’s union over a new contract. Aides are not covered under the union.
-
HOWEY: Keeping Peyton in the Hoosier pantheon
The critics of keeping Manning suggest he would return to a team struggling to contend. I’m not buying that. The Colts were decimated for a second consecutive year with injuries, particularly on defense. With the top choice in each round, they can quickly reset, as San Francisco and Cincinnati did this year.
-
CUMMINS: How to live a stable life
Then I heard Newt Gingrich say that he will establish a colony on the moon by the end of his second term. I’d vote for him if he would go.
-
VAN HOY: What’s the point, anyway?
- More Columns Headlines
-
Obama Scraps Birth Control Mandate
US Airmen's Killer Sentenced to Life in Germany
Raw Video: Deadly Blasts in Syria
Romney Slams President Obama at CPAC
Gingrich: Pres. Obama 'waging War on Religion'
Navy Names Ship for Gabrielle Giffords
5 Killed in Wrong-way Crash on I-10 in La.
Denver's Largest-Ever Drug Bust Nets Dozens
Marines: No Punishment for Nazi-like Flag
Vets Look to Translate Military Skills Into Jobs
Raw Video: School Bus Burst Into Flames
LA School Reopens Amid Sex Abuse Scandal
$25B Settlement Reached Over Foreclosure Abuses
Pentagon: Allow Women Closer to Front Lines
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
