Distinguished:
John ‘Cal’ Mathison
John ‘Cal’ Mathison (Class of 1951) will be honored posthumously. He attended General Beadle from 1947-1951, graduating with a bachelors degree in education. While at General Beadle, Cal lettered all four years in football and basketball. In 1952 Cal accepted a position at Franklin school as a teacher and coach. Under his tutelage, the Franklin boys’ basketball team won three district championships, one regional championship, and took fourth place in the State B basketball tournament. His team of 1953 was known as the ‘Cinderella Team’. He moved from the Franklin School district in 1957 to Madison Central School to take the position of head basketball and track coach, along with duties as athletic director and assistant football coach. Cal completed his Masters Degree in Education and Physical Education from SDSU in 1959.
Over the years Cal’s dedication to sports and student athletes has been recognized in various ways. In 1970 he served as the honorary referee for the Madison Invitational Track Meet (Barker Relays). In 2001 he was inducted into the Madison High School Athletic Hall of Fame. His friend Ray Thomas established an annual scholarship at the high school in Cal’s name. The scholarship is given to a student who is active in sports, has compassion for people, and has enthusiasm for life; traits Cal Mathison displayed in both his personal life and professional career.
Cal passed away in 1988.
Dakota State University • All rights Reserved
Completed by Spring 2004 Class of English 401
Last updated Spring 2004