Bunky Matthews facts for kids
| Biographical details | |
|---|---|
| Born | August 14, 1915 |
| Died | September 28, 1976 (aged 61) Daytona Beach, Florida |
| Alma mater | Columbia |
| Playing career | |
| Football | |
| c. 1935 | Bethune–Cookman |
| c. 1937 | Morehouse |
| Coaching career (HC unless noted) | |
| Football | |
| 1944–1945 | Edward Waters |
| 1946–1960 | Bethune–Cookman |
| Basketball | |
| 1947–1956 | Bethune–Cookman |
| Head coaching record | |
| Overall | 87–54–6 (football) 90–47 (basketball) |
| Bowls | 3–2 |
| Accomplishments and honors | |
| Championships | |
| Football 2 SEAC (1947, 1949) 1 SIAC (1952) |
|
Rudolph G. "Bunky" Matthews (born August 14, 1915 – died September 28, 1976) was a very important American football and basketball coach. He is remembered for his time at Bethune–Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Florida. Coach Matthews helped shape the university's sports programs for many years.
He was the head football coach at Bethune–Cookman from 1946 to 1960. During this time, he led the team to a great record of 83 wins, 46 losses, and 6 ties. Many people say he was the first coach to make Bethune–Cookman football truly competitive and modern.
Bunky Matthews also coached the men's basketball team at Bethune–Cookman. He was their head coach from 1947 to 1956. His basketball teams had a strong record of 90 wins and 47 losses. He passed away from a heart attack in 1976.
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Bunky Matthews' Coaching Career
Bunky Matthews had a long and successful career coaching college sports. He coached both football and basketball. He was known for building strong teams.
Early Coaching Years
Matthews started his head coaching career in football at Edward Waters College. He coached the Edward Waters Tigers for two seasons, in 1944 and 1945. During his time there, his teams had an overall record of 4 wins and 8 losses.
Leading the Bethune–Cookman Wildcats
After Edward Waters, Coach Matthews moved to Bethune–Cookman University. This is where he made a big impact. He became the head football coach in 1946. He stayed in this role for 15 seasons, until 1960.
Football Success
At Bethune–Cookman, Matthews' football teams were very successful. He led them to win championships in two different conferences. They won the Southeastern Athletic Conference (SEAC) championship in 1947 and again in 1949. Later, they won the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) championship in 1952.
His teams also played in several special "bowl" games. These were important games often played at the end of the season. His teams had a good record of 3 wins and 2 losses in these bowl games. Overall, his Bethune–Cookman football record was 83 wins, 46 losses, and 6 ties.
Basketball Coaching
Besides football, Bunky Matthews also coached the men's basketball team at Bethune–Cookman. He was the head basketball coach from 1947 to 1956. His basketball teams were also very good, with a record of 90 wins and 47 losses. This shows he was a talented coach in more than one sport.
Bunky Matthews is remembered as a key figure in the history of sports at Bethune–Cookman University. He helped build strong, competitive teams that achieved great success.
