Carlos Mathews Named Athlete Of The Year
MADISON- Huntsville native and area resident Carlos Mathews was recently recognized by Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey among four athletes named Alabama State Games Athletes of the Year. The 51-year old Mathews, vice president and District 5 representative on the Huntsville City School Board and president of CM Advanced Technologies, was recognized in special ceremonies for the Alabama State Games as Male Athlete of the Year for his outstanding achievements in the 2023 Games where he won two gold medals and one silver medal during the 40th anniversary of the Games held in the Montgomery area.
“I was surprised when I received a call from the Alabama State Games telling me of the award as I did not know I was even nominated,” said Mathews. “I also received an e-mail from Kelly Kahumoku director of operations for the State Games. I’m excited about winning the award especially here in our own state and being in the sport of track and field.”
Individuals were chosen based on overall achievements in the Games, involvement in the community, effort in which way they compete, displays of sportsmanship and how they represent themselves on and off the competition field.
For Mathews, he won gold medals in both the long jump and triple jump and a silver medal in the 100-meter sprint in his tenth year of competing in the annual multi-day sporting event. His mark in the long jump was 5.36 meters. In the long jump, his distance was 10.62 meters and in the 100-meter sprint, Mathews had a time of 12.37 seconds. He went on to win the U.S. National Championship in the long jump with a jump of 5.33 meters and his 12.08 in the 100 meters was good for a seventh place at the nationals.
“I was hoping to run faster in the 100-meter event as my goal was to finish under 12 seconds at age 50,” said Mathews. “Both the long jump and triple jump efforts qualified me for All-American status. It was a great way to kickoff the 2023 season for me in track and field.”
Mathews graduated from Huntsville High in 1991 and attended Alabama A&M where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering Technology in 1995. While at A&M, he also excelled for the Bulldogs’ track and field program from 1992-1995 concentrating on the long jump and 100-meter events where he received All-SIAC honors three out of the four years he competed and was the only long jumper to qualify for the NC-Double-A Division II National Championships. He was also the only male athlete to be part of four consecutive conference team titles. While on “The Hill,” Mathews held top 10 school performances in both the long jump and 100-meter.
He has coached at numerous high schools in the immediate area and at both his alma mater and UAH. Besides his work with the Huntsville City Schools, Mathews is a leader in local technology with his position with CM Advanced Technologies, an IT solution provider.
Among the four elite athletes honored by Gov. Ivey were Jasmine Williams (Pickleball/Montgomery), Mitch Conroy (Table Tennis/Anniston) and Jordyn Hill (Archery/Ft. Novosel). All four were to carry the torch for the 41st Games.
Gov. Ivey said, “Congratulations to all the outstanding athletes of the year of the Alabama State Games. The sportsmanship and exceptional performances exhibited by these players embody the hardworking spirit of our great state. Truly, there’s nothing like the Alabama State Games, where the best of Alabama’s talent and determination is showcased for all to see.”
The 2024 Alabama State Games are scheduled for June 7-9.
“I’ve been competing in the Alabama State Games off and on since I was in middle school and it is cool to see how the games have grown,” added Mathews. “I could see all ages, especially the older athletes, enjoying themselves and being inspirations for youngsters. I’ve always found it to be enjoyable to attend and I like to put on a show for the fans in attendance. I even see former athletes at the games I once coached.”
