Athlete Spotlight: Marquel Matthews

In his senior year at South Aiken High School, Marquel Matthews tried a new track and field event and had a lot of success.

"This was my first time going to state. I definitely wish I'd tried it sooner," said Matthews, who finished eighth in the 400-meter hurdles at the state championship meet at Spring Valley High School in Columbia this month.

Matthews started running track early in his high school career at the suggestion of his older brother, Marcus.

"I used it as a tool to help me in football," said Matthews, who played linebacker for the Thoroughbreds.

Although he started in track to help him become a better football player, Matthews continued in the sport for other reasons.

"I started loving it," he said.

In addition to the hurdles, Matthews also ran in the 400-meter and 200-meter races.

South Aiken coach Russ Busbee said he was glad to see Matthews do well his senior year.

"He has a work ethic and a half," said Busbee. "He goes through two to three pairs of shoes a season. He wears them until his toes are hanging out."

Matthews' commitment to excellence goes beyond athletics, Busbee said.

During the track season, Matthews attended class, practiced with the team in the afternoon and then worked until about 11 p.m. at a fast-food restaurant to help support his family.

He did all that and is in the top 17 percent of his class with a 4.2 grade point average. He is a member of the National Honor Society.

"I learned to manage my time," said Matthews, who would do his homework between classes or whenever he had a break.

Matthews has been accepted to Clemson University and plans to major in chemistry and minor in a foreign language. He speaks Spanish and German.

He also would like to continue in track and compete in the hurdles for the Tigers.

Reach Charmain Brackett at czbrackett@hotmail.com.