The Homecoming: the Weight of History

When James Matter’s plane touched down in Warsaw in June, the contrast to his first arrival over two decades ago couldn't have been starker.

"Over 20 years ago, it was a big change," James recalls, smiling at the memory of his children asking why everyone applauded when the plane landed. He remembers looking out at endless pink-hued block housing, navigating a chaotic baggage claim, and dodging overly eager taxi "friends." Flash forward to today: a streamlined, modern airport and an Uber ride down a sleek expressway brought him back to a completely transformed community.

But this wasn't just any ordinary return. James was back to receive a monumental distinction: being among the esteemed inaugural group of inductees whose names are now permanently etched onto the ASW Hall of Honour—an initiative designed to celebrate individuals who have shaped the school and left an indelible legacy.

When he first heard the news, he didn't believe it. "I thought Jason (Jason Cuthbert - current AD) was joking, as he and I have been friends for over 30 years," James admits. It took an official call from Jason and Stephen S. four months before the ceremony to convince him it wasn't a prank. Standing outside before the community, holding the plaque, the gravity of his 19-year impact finally hit home.

"Grateful, humbled, and thankful. Living and working in Warsaw and at ASW was a life-changing experience for all of us. Going back, I was met by so many staff and workers who gave me such a warm greeting. I was humbled that they remembered me so fondly."

Building from Scratch: From Power Plants to a Powerhouse Program

To understand why James’s name is a foundation of the Hall of Honour, you have to look back at what ASW Athletics looked like when he arrived. The school was still operating out of the building adjacent to the priest's rectory in Wilanów.

The campus had just one gym, making scheduling tournaments a logistical puzzle. The school didn't even have its own fields or pools. "We used power plant fields for practices and took buses everywhere," James notes.

Beyond the logistical hurdles, Warsaw itself was just entering the "New Europe." James remembers a time of single shopping malls, scarce restaurant options, and weekend trips to the infamous open-air Russian market at the old Praga soccer stadium. "I bought a suit there once that melted on me when it rained," he laughs.

Yet, year after year, the infrastructure boomed, and so did ASW Athletics. Alongside dedicated colleagues, James set out to put ASW on the international sports map. They had to convince rival schools that Poland could offer highly competitive teams, top-tier hospitality, and impeccably behaved student-athletes.

The strategy worked. Guided by a shared administrative goal to maximize student opportunities, ASW expanded its reach to compete in two, and sometimes three, international leagues.

The Warrior Roll Call

James is quick to emphasize that a 19-year legacy isn't built alone. When asked about the people who helped turn his vision into reality, James provided a legendary roster of coaches, staff, and directors:

The Core Leadership & AD Allies: Ania K., Stephen, Ben Thrash, Rick Nelson, Matt, Scott, Jason, and Nick.

The Directors & Administration: Chip Barder, Carol Kluznik, Terry Gamble, Tony, TJ, JZ, and Karen Dunmire.

The Unsung Heroes: Chris, Mike, Beata, Grażyna, and the endlessly supportive maintenance staff.

The Legendary Coaches: Coach Szuter (and his beautifully prepared swim teams), Sławek, Eleryk, Ptak, John Daulton, Denny D., Coach Dom, Alan, Mike, Yuen, G, Tim, Jan Hydik, Jimmy O'Sullivan, Robb H., and Bas K.

The Basketball Crew: The Bernsteins, Ptak, Dom, Popovich, Jeff McCarron, Seth A., Scott S., B. Hazelwood, Marla, Tim, and his favorite co-coach—his wife, Susan Matter.

Character Built in the Gym

For James, the most rewarding part of his tenure wasn't the championship banners, but the character built in the quiet moments after a tough game.

"I think some of the games that were very close, and we ended up losing, were the best opportunities to improve and reflect," he says. "I recall seeing my son shooting baskets until midnight after a painful loss. I was lucky I had the keys to the gym."

From intense, fun-spirited rivalries with the Moscow Penguins to watching a "gangly 6th grader" mature into a CEESA All-Star and ASW Athlete of the Year (a journey he proudly watched his son Grady take), James witnessed generations of Warriors grow. That sports-driven character-building came full circle in his own home: his son Padric and daughter Casey both grew up to become successful coaches and educators themselves.

While he doesn’t miss the "nuts and bolts" of budgeting and endless scheduling meetings, he deeply misses the magic of watching a team click. "The coach is the conductor... My job was to provide resources and see that the coach had the tools to be successful."

From the Vistula to Big Sky Country

Today, James and Susan (who served as an invaluable ASW librarian for 13 years) have traded the bustling streets of Warsaw for a vibrant college town in Montana. Their days are filled with hiking, riding e-bikes, volunteering, and enjoying being much closer to their US-based family.

Yet, a piece of Poland remains firmly rooted in Big Sky Country. James still craves żurek (though he hasn't found a proper Warsaw recipe in Montana yet) and enjoys a cold Żywiec beer when he can find one. Their Montana condo is beautifully packed with a lifetime of Polish art—Bolesławiec pottery from Kim’s store, intricate wood carvings from the Tatras, and maritime art from Gdańsk.

When asked what timeless advice he would leave for the current and future generations of Warriors who will look up at his name on the Hall of Honour, James keeps it simple, communal, and deeply encouraging:

"Take advantage of the opportunities the school gives you. Try out for a team, or for an artistic stage or drama production. Enjoy the extracurricular programs offered. Trust a teacher, coach, or mentor to talk to when things are stressful, as we are all on the same team and supportive. As the saying goes, "Once a Warrior..."