[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 128 (Tuesday, September 28, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1978]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                         TRIBUTE TO BOB MATTSON

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 28, 1999

  Mr. FARR of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and 
acknowledge Bob Mattson. He passed away after 38 years of service and 
contribution as athletic director and coach at Hollister High School.
  Bob was born in Oakland, CA, on November 29, 1925. He served 2 years 
in the U.S. Navy in World War II and earned a bachelor of arts degree 
in education from Stanford in 1950. Bob then completed his teaching 
credential at San Francisco State and a master's degree from San Jose 
State. Mr. Mattson moved to Hollister in 1953 as a teacher, coach, 
department chairman and athletic director. He retained those 
responsibilities until 1983 and then worked as part-time athletic 
director until full retirement 3 years later. Bob and his wife of 47 
years, Diane, are the parents of two children, Bo and Maureen.
  Bob had a distinguished career as athletic director and coach of the 
basketball, wrestling and football teams at Hollister High School. 
Devoted and well respected, Bob Mattson was an ``intense coach of high 
moral character and he tried to instill that in his players'' 
(Principal Larry Williams, Hollister High School). As a member of the 
Hollister Rotary Club and a Paul Harris Fellow, Bob enjoyed local and 
district involvement. He served on a variety of club committees 
including being appointed to the San Benito County Board of Education 
as a representative, vice president, and president. Bob had also been 
appointed to the South County Regional Occupational Program Liaison and 
devoted several years of service to the community. Bob contributed 
greatly to our community through serving 25 years as a director for the 
Root-Hardin Youth Fundraising. On January 1, 1994, Bob was honored with 
the dedication of the Mattson Gym at the High School.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me and our colleagues in recognizing 
the valuable contributions of Bob Mattson, spanning 38 years, to our 
community. His leadership and commitment as a role model, teacher and 
coach as well as an involved member of the community is certainly worth 
noting. Bob's presence as athletic director will be missed and his 
years of achievement and devotion will not be forgotten.

                          ____________________