William P. (Pat) Matthews was born September 29, 1952 in Charleston, WV to Charles B. and Theresa L. Matthews. He is the youngest of three children along with brother Charles M. Matthews and sister Conny A. Hodges. He graduated from South Charleston High School in 1970 where he was a two-sport star and Captain of both the basketball and baseball teams.
Recruited by Coach Art Burris to West Virginia State College, he was a starting guard on the undefeated Junior-Varsity team coached by Bob Maxwell, who served as the Head Baseball Coach. Highlights in his freshman season included significant roles in wins at Huntington against Marshall University in both basketball and baseball.
In baseball Pat started at 2nd base his freshman season, shortstop in both his sophomore and junior years and then settled in at 3rd base his senior year where he attained First-team All-WVIAC honors. Coach Maxwell even used Pat as a relief pitcher versus Rio Grande and Marshall Universities.
On the hard court, Pat was the starting point guard on the nationally ranked and undefeated at home 1973 Yellow Jacket squad coached by Curtis Price. His senior season was cut short by a broken ankle.
Recently retired from Ashland Water Technologies, Pat and his wife Mary, reside in Little River, SC where they attend the Little River United Methodist Church, enjoy the ocean and some leisurely golf. The have four children, Brandon, Rachel, Amanda, and Sarah, all of whom have completed their undergraduate studies.
Pat continues to be an active supporter of the WVSU athletic programs and remains in close contact with his old teammates.
