From Marty James of the Napa Valley Register...
Bob Mattos, Sacramento State’s head football coach from 1978 through 1992, died of brain cancer on Sunday at his home in Rancho Murieta. He was 68.
Personally, I had the assignment of covering the Sac State football program and working with Mattos when I was sports editor for the State Hornet, the student newspaper, over 30 years ago.
He was one of the top coaches that I’ve come across.
Mattos instilled spirit, pride, life and direction into the program. During his years with the Hornets, he compiled an 84-73-2 record and still ranks as the winningest coach in school football history in terms of victories and winning percentage.
I can still remember the day that he spoke about the importance of school and community spirit to a communications class that I was taking.
Mattos wanted to get the word out that he was new to the job and proud to be leading the football program. In 1988, Mattos led the Hornets into the semifinals of the NCAA Division II playoffs.
Before taking over at Sac State, he coached at Jesuit High School-Carmichael, Orestimba High School, Turlock High School and Stagg High School-Stockton.
He also had a stint with the Sacramento Gold Miners of the Canadian Football League and was Elk Grove High School’s athletics director.
Donations for a fund that has been set up in his name can be sent to The Bob Mattos Fund, c/o/ Marshall Sperbeck, head football coach, Sacramento State, 6000 J St., Sacramento, 95819-6099. Funeral arrangements are pending.
E-mail Executive Sports Editor Marty James at mjames
@napanews.com or call 256-2223.
