Bracken Signs On as New SDSU Head Coach
Bracken Signs On as New SDSU Head Coach
San Diego State University men's rugby has announced it has signed on a new Head Coach.
As reported on GRR in July—San Diego State Men's Rugby Seeks Coach—Ryan Matyas, SDSU's Head Coach in 2024-25, had to step away because of a variety of other responsibilities, with family at the top of the list. Matyas has remained connected to the program, committed to helping the team as a coach (but not Head Coach) and helping the search and orientation for a new coach.
That brings us to the new Head Coach, Scott Bracken. A former prop at San Diego State (where he was an All American in 1989, 1990, and 1991), has been Head Coach at Claremont Colleges, coached the USA at age-grade levels, and has coached with Eagle Impact Rugby Academy. Having worked in federal law enforcement for all his career, Bracken actually was due to take mandatory retirement this summer.
At the same time, he opted to step back from Claremont Colleges because of his career retirement. He wasn't sure where he would end up so he didn't want to commit to time at Claremont.
So the timing worked out perfectly for Bracken, who received a call from Matyas the day before his retirement party.
"San Diego State was where I first touched a rugby ball, so the idea of going back to coach was really appealing to me," said Bracken. "I see this as my last job."
Bracken said the plan to change the culture and mindset of the SDSU team was started nicely by Matyas and he intends to continue it.
"This is a younger team and they have their own character, but you have to have a good culture on a team," Bracken said. "We have some guys returning who are locked in, and that's great. We're in a challenging conference but I have seen the improvement they made last year and I feel like the way we're going to approach things, with the backing of the school and the alumni, will work."
Bracken will receive a stipend from the University and is officially an employee of San Diego State University. This brings for him a bit more on-campus leverage at least where it comes to communication within the school environs. But key for him is helping the Azpecs return to a more prominent position in collegiate rugby.
