High School Athletic Director Earns Region Honor

A Cherokee County School District athletic director has been named best in the region.

Congratulations to Creekview High School Assistant Principal and Athletic Director Matt Cates, the 2026 Region 6-5A Athletic Director of the Year!  The honor is awarded to one leader per region and is voted on by peers to recognize excellence, professionalism, and sportsmanship.  A 28-year educator and award-winning girls basketball coach, Mr. Cates is in his second year as Creekview’s athletic director.  During his two years in the role, Creekview High School already has earned nine state championships and two state runner-up finishes!  Our School Board is laser focused on ensuring our students are learning more, growing more, and achieving more in our classrooms than they could anywhere else.

So far this school year, Creekview celebrated five state championships and one state runner-up finish, including back-to-back fastpitch softball titles, a dual team wrestling championship, and the first boys cross-country state championship in county history.  Student-athletes also have earned six individual state championships this school year.  Beyond the championships, Creekview’s athletics program has developed a regionwide reputation for sportsmanship, organization, and commitment to providing student-athletes with a first-class experience.  This reputation and Mr. Cates’s leadership have led to growth in coach collaboration, student participation, and community support.

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