Bill Matthews
Year Inducted: 2006
Birthday: February 27, 1943
City/Town: Gainesville, FL
Bill graduated in 1961 from St. Paul’s School where he played varsity hockey, soccer and baseball.
He enrolled at Bowdoin College and was a three-year varsity starter in hockey, football, and baseball. He also excelled in those three sports as a freshman. In 1965, as a senior, he was elected varsity hockey Captain and named co-recipient of the Hugh Monroe, Jr., hockey trophy as Bowdoin’s Most Valuable Player. He earned nine varsity letters between 1962 and 1965.
Begining in 1973, Bill took over as Head Coach of the St. Paul’s School boys’ ice hockey program and remained on the bench for 17 seasons. In 1984, his team was the Independent School League Champion. His undefeated record of 14-0-0 remains as the only undefeated-untied record in League history. Between December 1983 and February 1985, his teams won 34 consecutive games. His career wins total 204, with a winning percentage of .609.
Two of his notable players who went on to NHL careers are Jeff Guiliano of the Manchester Monarchs and Los Angeles Kings, and Don Sweeney of the Boston Bruins.
Additionally, Bill coached girls’ ice hockey at St. Paul’s School for 2 years (1992-1994). His teams complied an overall record of 20-11-4, for a .571 winning percentage.
Bill also found time to serve 11 seasons as Assistant football coach and four seasons as Head baseball coach St. Paul’s School. From 1981 to 1984, he served on the Board of Directors of the Concord Youth Hockey Association.
Bill has served as a teacher, coach and administrator for 40 years at St. Paul’s School. On January 10, 2006, he became the twelfth Rector (Head of School).
The institution currently is celebrating its 150th Anniversary.
