University of San Francisco Athletics

SAN FRANCISCO — San Francisco baseball head coach Nino Giarratano has announced the hiring of Mat Keplinger out of California junior college powerhouse Delta College as his newest assistant coach and the Dons' new pitching coach for the 2019-20 season.
 
Keplinger comes to San Francisco following a great run of success with the Mustangs. Delta College made seven consecutive "Elite Eight" appearances in the California Community College Athletics Association championship and five "Final Four" appearances, winning a state title in 2018, during his seven-year tenure.
 
Keplinger built the Mustangs into a pitching powerhouse, producing 28 pitchers who transferred to NCAA Division I programs, nine MLB draft picks, four All-Americans, three Big 8 Conference Pitchers of the Year, two California State Pitchers of the Year, and two other pitcher of the year awards from the Pacific Association and the California Community College Sports Information Association. Keplinger's staff led all of California in strikeouts on three occasions, and also led the state in ERA in 2015.
 
"Mat Keplinger is a highly successful, energetic, creative, and diligent coach," said Giarratano. "He has had great success at Delta and developed into a wonderful recruiter and developer of young pitchers. We look forward to welcoming Mat to the Dons family."
 
Keplinger will have plenty of firepower to work with when the Dons return to campus. 2018 West Coast Conference First Teamer Riley Ornido is back, as well as 2019 all-WCC Honorable Mention honoree Alex Pham. Also back will be Julian Washburn, who went 8-2 in his first season with the Dons last spring, and Josh Mollerus, who posted a 1.42 ERA over his final seven appearances as a freshman.
 
"I am so grateful to be a part of the Dons Family," said Keplinger. "The University of San Francisco is a special and storied institution with a winning tradition. The passion that Coach Giarratano brings every day is inspiring and I am beyond thankful for the opportunity he has given me.
 
"We have an unbelievable support system here with all of the resources to be successful on and off the field. I am excited to get to work, learn, and grow with our staff and student-athletes."
 
What They're Saying About Mat Keplinger:
 
"Mat has been an integral part of the Delta College Baseball program's success. His development of pitchers is unmatched. He is a master in increasing velocity and commanding the zone.
 
"But Mat's contributions to Delta baseball go far beyond pitching. He was a tremendous recruiter, strength and conditioning instructor, and role model to all the players. He will be greatly missed but we are very happy for him. USF is a getting a great one!"
 
-- Delta College baseball head coach Reed Peters