Legacy of Paul Matthews lives on in cup winners

By Holly Erickson

Academic excellence, commitment to community, sportsmanship — all of these qualities were deeply valued by the late Paul Matthews. And all of them are embodied by the two CHS graduates, Chris Murray and Michelle McNeil, who were this year’s recipients of the Senior Cup and scholarship founded in his honor.

Michelle McNeil and Chris Murray

Matthews, a lifelong resident of Canton, passed away suddenly in 2009. A longtime School Committee member and supporter of Canton athletics, Matthews believed giving back to the community was the key to its success. Thus, it only seemed appropriate to establish a foundation in his honor to award those who do just that. As part of that “giving back” philosophy, the Paul R. Matthews Charitable Foundation awards scholarships each year to two deserving graduating seniors of Canton High School.

This year, the two standouts — on and off the field — were Murray and McNeil. The pair excelled from the get-go at CHS, proving themselves to be natural leaders. Coaches and CHS staff have seemingly limitless praise for the duo, who will be continuing their impressive academic and sports careers at schools in Worcester and who also happen to be dating.

This fall, Murray will be attending Worcester Polytechnic Institute, where he will continue his athletic career as a member of the men’s soccer team. Among his many achievements as a defensive center midfielder on the CHS roster, Murray graduated as the second-leading scorer in program history with 18 goals and 34 assists. Twice named captain for the squad, he was the first ever three-time Hockomock League all star and the first ever three-time Eastern Massachusetts all star. Honored as the league MVP during his senior year, Murray can also take a substantial amount of credit for the Bulldogs home record, as they never lost a game during his four years on the squad.

Recognized as an All-American during his senior year — a Canton first in boys’ soccer — Murray not only has the skills to compete, but also the attitude.

“Chris is that special competitor who epitomized the characteristics that Paul Matthews cherished,” said CHS soccer coach Danny Erickson. “The CHS boys’ soccer team won the sportsmanship award for the Hockomock League three out of the four years Chris was a varsity player, and that was no coincidence.”

A two-sport athlete and double captain in soccer and basketball, Murray contributed to the community beyond the sports realm. He brought his upbeat attitude and leadership ability to Boys State during his junior year, was named to the National Honor Society, and participated in the Boomerang Link crew, a transition program for incoming ninth graders.

McNeil, a three-sport athlete and triple captain (field hockey, ice hockey, lacrosse), will be continuing her schooling at the College of the Holy Cross. There, she will join the field hockey team and will enhance the campus with her leadership skills, positive attitude, and commitment to excellence.

During her time as a Bulldog, McNeil could be counted on to bring out not only the best in herself, but in her teammates and the team as a whole.

“Even if Michelle was personally having a tough day, she was still the first to assist others, reach out to younger players in the community, and show up and leave the rink with a smile,” said hockey coach Kelly Rider.

In terms of her sportsmanship, she similarly shined. “While Michelle is extremely competitive, she was a true sportsman and incredibly only had one penalty in three seasons,” Rider added.

As an exceptional student-athlete and leader, McNeil was distinguished with many accolades. Just this past season, she was recognized as a Hobey Baker award recipient, a Boston Bruins MIAA Sportsmanship recipient, and as a recipient of the CHS Hall of Fame Sportsmanship Award. In addition, her commitment to excellence on and off the ice garnered her a nod by the Massachusetts State Hockey Coaches Association, which named her a member of the All-Academic All Star Team.

And those exceptional qualities extended to the classroom as well. “While Michelle’s passion and pride for her teams and school is well known, many may not realize how equally dedicated she is to her academics,” said Rider.

McNeil was rarely absent or tardy, took honors-level classes, and consistently had over a 4.0 weighted GPA. She joined Murray as a member of the National Honor Society and Link crew, and was also named to the Century Club, which recognizes the top 100 students of the school.

In winning the Matthews Cup, both Murray and McNeil were proud to be associated with Paul Matthews and the legacy he left behind. While neither knew Matthews directly, both have heard great things about him and have talked with others to learn more.

“I feel so honored,” said Murray. “In talking with different people in the community, I’ve heard how great of a guy he was. To receive this award means so much.”

Both Murray and McNeil can tell they share a similar attitude about athletics and academics as Matthews did. And the biggest thing they learned in being this year’s recipients was the community aspect — the importance of giving back. Both thank the Matthews family for the award and both feel committed to continuing his legacy.

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