MONTGOMERY – A Huntsville business owner and vice president of the school board is among four athletes named Alabama State Games Athletes of the Year.
Carlos Mathews, vice president and District 5 representative on the Huntsville City School Board, was recognized in a ceremony with Gov. Kay Ivey. The athletes — Mathews (Track & Field, Huntsville), Jasmine Williams (Pickleball, Montgomery), Mitch Conroy (Table Tennis, Anniston) and Jordyn Hill (Archery, Fort Novosel) — chosen the Games’ Athletes of the Year.
They will carry the torch for the 41st Alabama State Games in Birmingham June 7-9.
“Congratulations to all the outstanding athletes of the year of the Alabama State Games,” Ivey said in a news release. “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.”
Mathews and Williams are the Adult Male and Female Athletes of the Year. Conroy and Hill represent the Youth Male and Female Athletes of the Year.
Mathews graduated from Huntsville High School and earned his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering technology from Alabama A&M University. He is the president of CM Advanced Technologies and has competed in the Games for the past 10 years.
He has coached at the former Johnson High School, Bob Jones, Sparkman and Lee where he helped the Generals to their first state championship. Mathews also coached at his alma mater, Alabama A&M, and UAH.
A Master’s sprinter, Mathews represented the United States in California, Torun and Poland.
“I have a great deal of respect for all the athletes who go for gold as part of the Alabama State Games,” Alabama State Games Executive Director Laura Creel Burt said. “But to read the nominations and then having the opportunity to meet these four was amazing. ‘
“They truly stand out amongst their peers and deserve to be recognized and celebrated.”
Nominations were received from coaches, parents, commissioners, community members, tournament directors, volunteers and competitors. Individuals are chosen based on overall achievements, involvement in the Games, involvement in their community, the effort in which they compete, promotion of their chosen sport, displays of sportsmanship, and their attitude on and off the competition field. Their ability to overcome adversity and how they represent themselves are also factors that contribute to a nomination.
Nominations for the 2024 Athletes of the Year will open following the conclusion of the 41st Alabama State Games.
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