Oliver Ames Names Bill Matthews as New Athletic Director

Easton resident, Bill Matthews, a former NFL linebacker, was named as the New Athletic Director for beginning in the 2012-2013 academic year, Principal Wes Paul said in a statement Thursday afternoon.

“This marks the beginning of a new chapter in OA Athletics History," Paul said.  "Oliver Ames High School and the community of Easton are fortunate to have Bill Matthews filling this important role. I am confident Bill will make an immediate and positive impact on student lives and the overall athletic program.

"His vision for program development, coaching development, communication and organization, and facilities enhancement will make this already excellent program even better in the years to come.  I look forward to Bill's ability to research, listen, problem solve, and build and sustain meaningful relationships with players and families as we partner together to continually improve the services and products we offer our student athletes and their families.”

Matthews will replace current AD , who announced his resignation for the end of the year in January.

Paul said a search committee was put together and over 70 people applied for the position.

In addition to Paul, the search committee consisted of assistant principal Marc Brockman, physical education director Christine Power, OA girls' varsity soccer coach and Easton Middle School physical education teacher Britt Sellmayer, town resident and recently retired athletic director at Brockton High School Tom Kenney, and former multi sport OA booster president and parent of three student athletes, Chris Sutton.

"The committee reviewed each application and made a selection of the top twelve candidates who best aligned with the established criteria" Paul said. "The 12 candidates were interviewed by the committee, and a finalist pool was selected for a second round of interviews that included meeting with seven senior student athletes and four varsity coaches. "

Matthews was selected unanimously by the search committee after the final round of interviews, Paul said.

"In the interview process, Bill talked about wanting to spend the last chapter of his professional life working with and mentoring high school student athletes and coaches," Paul said. "The committee was impressed with his leadership skills, listening skills, personal relationship building skills, organization and communication skills, and problem solving skills coupled with a great knowledge of athletics and a passion for developing strong scholar athletes.  His experiences in Easton Youth Soccer and the OAHS Soccer Boosters Program spanned a decade.  Bill and his wife, Lynn, have three daughters who were all standout soccer players on state championship teams at OA and who went on to play Division 1 college soccer. "

Matthews' NFL career included stints with the New England Patriots and the New York Giants. He was an All-American at South Dakota State University, where he majored in economics and agriculture.

He recently left his position as President of MailCoups, Inc after 26 years in the business world.