Coak Matthews Scoreboard and Mural

Henderson State Athletics unveiled the Coak Matthews Scoreboard and mural at Wells Natatorium in 2022 in honor of the late Red Wave coach and campus icon. The College dedicated the new scoreboard with a ceremony on Oct. 21, the Friday of Homecoming weekend, prior to the start of the Red Wave's dual meet with rival Ouachita Baptist.

The project, which was 100% funded and made possible by generous Red Wave alumni and supporters, was a dream that Matthews envisioned and expressed a desire for prior to his passing in June of 2021.

"The scoreboard project was very important to coach Matthews, and was one that he felt would help benefit the program for years to come," Director of Athletics Shawn Jones said. "I would like to thank the 115 Red Wave alumni and donors who helped make this dream of his a reality. The new board, as well as the mural beside it, are a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his entire professional life to our university and to the Red Wave. Coak Matthews is a Henderson State legend and we are proud to be able to honor him in such a lasting way."

Matthews, who served as the head swimming and diving coach at Henderson from 1982 to 2021, led the Red Wave to an unprecedented 24 AIC and NSISC conference championships during his 39 years as the front man for the program. He was named conference Coach of the Year 15 times.