Contact Coach

Mat Vasel was named the third head coach of the ML King Track and Field program in July of 2021.Coach Vasel’s background in the sport is strong and has local ties. A King track alum (C/O 2011), Vaselserved 8 years as a King assistant coach working in the sprints-in particular the 400- and the relay teams. He has served as Associate Head Coach for the past three seasons. He has coached the school record 4 x 400 team and 3 of the top 5 400 marks in school history are held by athletes coached by him.

While at King, Vasel served as a team captain and was co-MVP in 2011. He currently sits 6th on the school’s all-time in the 400. From King, he went to Riverside Community College and competed for Tiger Head Coach Jim McCarron. While at RCC, he was part of two State Championship teams and was Orange Empire Champion in the 400; the 4 x 400 and the 4 x100. As a member of the 4 X 100, he garnered junior college All-American Honors.

Upon completing his studies at RCC, he moved on to UC-Riverside, competing in the the sprints and relays for Coach Nate Brown’s Highlanders. At UCR, Vasel made the Dean’s List every quarter he was there and in 2016 was named Scholar-Athlete of the Year.

Vasel earned his teaching credential and his Master’s Degree from Cal-Baptist University in 2019 and has been substitute teaching in RUSD. He is also been a member of the King Football coaching staff since 2017 and will continue in that role for new head coach Jason McMains.
Vasel is both a coach and educator. He knows and understands the King High track and field culture its traditions and community.