Kurt plans on still being a part of the athletic department when he can while also taking some trips to do things that he was never able to do, such as going to some SEC football games. Photo courtesy of American River College

SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - It is the end of an era for American River College baseball and athletics as former player, coach and equipment manager Kurt Mattson has officially retired. 

Kurt played for the Beavers in 1978 after having graduated from Del Campo High School in 1977. After ARC, he spent one year at Sac City College then went on to play and graduate from the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) where he still is in the top 10 in several pitching categories for the Rebels. Kurt then pitched for several years in the San Francisco Giants organization where he had a career Earned Run Average (ERA) under 2.00. 

Kurt played for the Beavers in 1978 after having graduated from Del Campo High School in 1977. Photo courtesy of American River College

He pitched professionally for a short time in Australia as well, which gave him a live long love of the land down under. Kurt returned to ARC in the late 1980's as the pitching coach, working with legendary Head Coach Kevin Higgins, where Kurt helped guide many future professional and collegiate pitchers, including Mike Lincoln, who spent several years in the major leagues. Kurt returned to UNLV as the Rebels pitching coach in 1997 and led the UNLV staff for several seasons. 

After his stint at UNLV Kurt stayed in Las Vegas where he worked as an electrician for several years before once again returning to ARC as the men's equipment manager in 2005. He spent 21 years in that role before retiring on Wednesday, Sept. 2. Kurt plans on still being a part of the athletic department when he can while also taking some trips to do things that he was never able to do, such as going to some SEC football games. American River College baseball and the athletic department will miss his presence on a daily basis, but we know he will still be part of the family and attending events. 

Thank you for all that you have for American River! 

It is the end of an era for American River College baseball and athletics as former player, coach and equipment manager Kurt Mattson has officially retired. Photo courtesy of American River College