You’ve seen him coaching the varsity basketball team to victory, some have heard his lectures on health and drivers’ education.
Now he will take on the different role of heading MHS’s athletic program.
Last week, Shane Matzen was chosen to be the new activities director out of more than 90 applicants.
Over the period of a few months many students, parents and staff members were involved in choosing the new AD. One of them was Principal Dr. Greg Mathison. He said Matzen’s organization, respect from his peers and passion for MHS and its students made him stand out.
He said the staff will miss Mark Lineman but is excited to have someone who’s been involved with the school for such a long time get the position.
“Coach Matzen and Linneman are very similar,” Dr. Mathison said. “Matzen will build off him as well as bring a new lens to the way we do things.”
Matzen said he was very excited last Thursday when he found out he’d gotten the position and added that he has a lot to live up to.
“It’s been done by the best,” Matzen said.
He said Linneman will help him tremendously during his first months as athletic director. Matzen said he has to learn all of the little things about the job and then he can start putting a little spin on it.
“I’m going to do it the best way I know how,” Matzen said. “It’s an ongoing process.”
He said that being the new athletic director is very special to him because he grew up as a Mustang and has a lot of pride in the school and community.
“MHS is my home,” Matzen said. “It’s the only place I want to be.”
He said transitioning from head basketball coach to athletic director will give him a chance to help a larger number of students outside of the basketball program.
“I’ve been able to do great things with the basketball team and I hope that I’ll be able to do that for a wider group of Mustangs,” Matzen said.
The basketball team has a bright future, he said, saying that it’s an ideal situation for the new head coach to come into because of the returning players and good people involved. He also will help in the selection process of the new head coach to some extent.
Like with the basketball team, he said he is interested in communicating with students and the community in different ways such as social media.
“We do too many good things for people not to know about it,” Matzen said.
He doesn’t know how the next year will go but is very excited to represent his former high school and community.
“I’m really proud to be a Mustang, I’m going to do my best for this school,” he said.