By Matt Pascarella
Anyone who
has ever attended a football game or wrestling match in Windham has most likely
seen this gentleman but may not know who he is. Tommy Matthews has been involved
with volunteering for Windham Athletics since 1998 when he began announcing matches
for the wrestling team.
Tommy Matthews is shown at the
2017 Spring Sports Banquet at
Windham High School receiving
a Volunteer Appreciation Award
from Windham Athletic Director
Rich Drummond. PHOTO BY
JULIE ARSENAULT
Both Matthews’ son and daughter wrestled on the Windham Junior High and Windham High School wrestling teams. He noticed the Windham High School wrestling team did not have an announcer, so he offered to help.
In 1998, Matthews and his wife joined the Windham Athletic Boosters after the wrestling coach at the time convinced he and his wife that wrestling needed representation in the Athletic Boosters. Matthews and his wife left the Windham Athletic Boosters in 2009. Matthews began working with Windham athletic director Rich Drummond when Drummond joined the Windham School Department in 2010.
“I feel that parents should be present and involved with their children in all of their activities,” said Matthews.
Prior to COVID-19, Matthews’ responsibilities at football games and wrestling matches generally included security by manning the front gate for the safety of students and spectators. Matthews has also helped out when Windham hosted a few wrestling tournaments as well as helping out at the sports banquets.
“Tommy loves Windham High School and truly cares about seeing a successful event go on for the kids and community,” said Windham athletic director Rich Drummond. “He is a true giver and will go the extra step so others enjoy the event they are attending.”
Drummond added that running a Class “A” athletic program can be stressful and having someone the department can call on to help out is extremely helpful.
Since COVID-19, Matthews has attended all games, making sure those allowed in are being safe and helping them with anything they need. Matthews is concerned with the health and safety of our student athletes. The hardest part these past few seasons was turning away parents who wanted to watch their children play.
“I love sports and believe that kids should have activities available to them. Whether it is sports or something else I want to see them involved,” said Matthews. “It is so important for these kids to have an outlet (whether it be) sports, theater, music, anything.”
Matthews is originally from Westbrook but has lived in Windham for over 30 years. He works for a company that processes the paper at Sappi in Westbrook. He is very involved in the community and likes to give back. He and his wife are both on the board of Windham’s Summerfest and Windham’s Neighbors Helping Neighbors.
He said that his favorite time is spent with his two children and three grandchildren. He loves to play golf and is a lifelong New England Patriots fan.<
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