Macalester head baseball coach Matt Parrington announces the hiring of Mat O'Brien as the program's new pitching coach.

Mat O'Brien joins the coaching staff at Macalester with an impressive resume. He brings head coaching experience to the program after compiling a 65-23 record at Cotter High School in Winona, Minn., earning Section 1A Coach of the Year honors after the 2006 and 2008 seasons.

During his three year tenure, O'Brien led Cotter to state tournament appearances in '06 & '08, finishing third both times.

O'Brien has a versatile coaching background, but will serve as the team's pitching coach, with recruiting responsibilities, and assist with the day to day operation of the team. He inherits a much improved pitching staff and will bring a championship mentality to the program. Mat served as an assistant coach at the University of St. Thomas during last year's national championship run.

While in college, O'Brien earned a double major with degrees in Teaching and Community Health, all while pitching for four years on the baseball at Winona State University. He was elected team captain during his senior season. His prep career at Cotter High School included All-State Honorable Mention honors in football. He was named Winona Daily News Football Player of the Year.

After a six-year teaching tenure at Cotter High School, Mat and his wife Kristie moved up to the Twin Cities. In addition to his coaching duties at Macalester, Mat is pursuing a Masters in Education and Applied Kinesiology with an emphasis in Sport and Science at the University of Minnesota. Kristie and Mat have a six-year-old daughter Alana, and are expecting a new addition to the family in September '09.