“Missing my incredible coach and friend, Matsuda, who guided me since I was 18.” These were the heartfelt words of three-time Olympic medalist Randy Williams as he mourned the loss of his mentor and dear friend, the legendary coach Ken Matsuda. While the nation celebrated its triumphs on the world stage in Tokyo, Matsuda was quietly fighting his own battle with age behind closed doors. On September 15, at 90 years of age, he took his final breath, leaving memories and a legacy etched forever in the heart of athletics.
For nearly two decades, the Japanese-American was quite the heartbeat of USC track and field. Working alongside his head coach, the legendary Vern Wolfe, Matsuda stood out to everyone with his eye for detail and deep understanding of conditioning. It helped to push the Trojans to greatness, powering three Outdoor NCAA titles in 1967, 1968, and 1976. Under his guidance, the Trojans won two Indoor National championships in 1967 and 1972 to add another purple feather on his cap. Well, it would not be wrong to state that the duo were USC track and field’s version of John McKay and Dave Levy.
Matsuda and Wolfe first joined forces in 1961 at San Jose State, shaping the legendary Speed City era. Years later, the dynamic coaching duo reunited at USC, where their partnership fueled the Trojans’ dominance. Yet his impact went far beyond medals. As an academic adviser and mentor, he has guided a number of young athletes through the pressures of sport. Matsuda ensured these younglings navigated through the rough storms of athleticism.
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After leaving USC, Matsuda’s quest to build a more substantial base for young athletes remained. He pioneered strength and conditioning across sports, from tennis courts to basketball arenas, volleyball floors to baseball diamonds, and even guided an IndyCar driver. He has also trained several high-profile athletes, like Olympic gold medalist Randy Williams, French Open champion Michael Chang, Olympian Tonie Campbell, and many more. Matsuda never stopped his mission of building stronger and smarter athletes, even after departing USC.
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Talking about the loss of his former coach, Randy Williams came forward to mourn and pay tribute, “Fifty-plus years later, I’m still filled with gratitude for the cherished memories of learning to bowl and enjoying char siu bao (Chinese BBQ pork buns) in Torrance. But, most of all, I’ll forever be thankful for the long jump training he provided, which propelled me to become an Olympic Gold Medalist in 1972, a Silver Medalist in 1976, and a proud member of the 1980 Olympic team.”
His legacy was formally honored in 2008, and he was inducted into the USC Track and Field Hall of Fame. “Coach Matsuda’s impact transcends his impressive coaching legacy—he left an indelible mark on my life, and many others. What a legend, what a legacy—truly the Greatest Long Jump Coach of all time,” said Randy.
Beyond sport, he leaves behind his wife Jan, children Jo Ann and Mike, five grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. In the meantime, Williams is not the only one who has kind words for the legend.
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Track and field community came forward to mourn the loss of Ken Matsuda
His expertise soon drew global attention. The United States Olympic Committee entrusted him with overseeing track and field operations at the 1984 Los Angeles and 1988 Seoul Olympics, confident in his steady leadership at events where every split second mattered. With his reputation firmly cemented on the world stage, it was no surprise that countless legends of the sport knew and respected him. That trust deepened when he was asked to direct the 1992 U.S. Olympic Trials in New Orleans, a rare honor reserved for the sport’s most respected minds.
Among them was former Guyanese Olympian Rayfield “Pepe” Beaton, who, upon hearing of Ken Matsuda’s sudden passing, shared a heartfelt tribute to the iconic coach, “Coach Ken Matsuda was a visionary leader, using ancient wisdom to transform teenage athletes into lean, clean, marketing machines. He trained them so well that they were able to run or compete anytime and any place. Coaching is designed to help you stay focused, balanced, and productive, which leads to a fulfilling career. Coach Matsuda was that kind of coach. May his soul rest in peace.”
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One of his former and dearest students, Tonie Campbell, a former Olympian and bronze medalist in the 110m hurdles at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, spoke of a bond that went far beyond coach and athlete: “I lost my coach today, but he was much more than a coach. Ken Matsuda was my mentor, my northern star, my second dad, my friend. I will miss his counsel, but carry his wisdom with me all my days. Rest in power, Coach. I’ll see you again.” Matsuda was always calm and composed, treating his colleagues with respect and a sense of fun. Back in 1967, when USC clinched the NCAA title at BYU, Ken Matsuda slipped away to fish for trout near Provo. He gave part of his catch to head coach Vern Wolfe. Interestingly, the fish made it onto the plane, but the championship trophy did not; Wolfe had forgotten it.
Matsuda’s influence transcended track and field, guiding athletes across sports toward greatness. Former French Open champion and former ATP world No. 2 Michael Chang also paid tribute: “I have enjoyed so many fun and wonderful times with him, whether we were working out in the gym, on the tennis court, eating in player’s lounges or restaurants around the world, having time to chat about our faith, and, of course, whenever we had time to fish! I’m happy to carry on so much of what he’s taught me in my life so that others can be blessed by the knowledge, experience, and wisdom. Thank you, Lord, for Ken!”
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Well, that’s not all, one of the ardent followers of the track and field community came forward to express his shock over Matsuda’s death, “I’m very deeply saddened on the passing of the legendary track and field Coach Ken Matsuda at the University of Southern California (USC). I’m truly honored and extremely grateful for all that he did in his own special way by giving me an opportunity of a lifetime and in making me a better person. Heartfelt condolences and prayers 🙏 for Coach Matsuda’s family.”
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As the coach departs from this world, friends, colleagues, and protégés alike have come forward to bid him a heartfelt farewell. In his passing, what remains is the indelible legacy of one of the greatest Americans that this country has ever produced.