Bryan L. Matthews has to be classified as one of the most outstanding lacrosse goalies ever to represent Washington College. He contributed significantly to the success of the lacrosse teams during the years 1972 through 1975.
His save record over four years proves that he was an excellent defensive goalie yet he made significant contributions offensively as well – his agility out of the goal with his accurate passwork often resulted in a fast break goal for the Shoremen. His saves over four years total 821 – 27 in 8 games in a reserve role in 1972, 297 in 17 games in 1973 - when he made his first appearance in a national championship game, 235 in 14 games in 1974, and 262 in 15 games in 1975. In a 18-12 victory over the University of Maryland Baltimore County, he stopped a single-game career-high of 30 shots.
With Matthews in the goal, the 1975 team went 12 and 3, winning another shot at the NCAA Division II-III Championship. Bryan was selected All-American in 1974 and 1975, was a team tri-captain in 1974 and 1975, was selected MVP in 1975, and was Washington College’s overall Outstanding Male Athlete in 1975.
In 1977, Bryan returned to Washington College as a member of the Admissions Staff and as assistant lacrosse coach. In 1978, he was appointed Head Lacrosse Coach, a position he held until 1982. His coaching tenure at Washington College was highly successful with his 1982 team losing a heartbreaker in overtime to Hobart College in the NCAA Division III championship game. For his outstanding coaching performance in 1982, he was selected as the NCAA Division III Lacrosse Coach of the Year.
In 1983, he assumed the head lacrosse coaching position at the U.S. Naval Academy and in 1986 was voted Division I Coach of the Year. When the Athletic Director’s position at Washington College became vacant in 1994, Bryan returned to his alma mater to direct the athletic destiny of the college.
While in college, Bryan was an outstanding student and was very active in the affairs of the Lambda Pi Delta Fraternity, serving as the president his senior year.
Washington College considers it an honor to induct Bryan L. Matthews into its Athletic Hall of Fame on this 5th day of October, 1996.
