Linn-Mar AD Scott Mahmens will retire this summer

MARION — Scott Mahmens knows that longevity is not a guarantee. His father died at age 66 of a massive heart attack.

'That's always in the back of my mind,' Mahmens said Thursday afternoon upon his announcement that he will retire as Linn-Mar athletics director this summer. 'Both of my sons are out of college now and I want enjoy life with my wife and sons.'

Mahmens' last day on the job will be June 29.

'I truly believe it is time for me to do what's best for me and my family,' he said. 'The 12- to 14-hour days have caught up with me. I have been in the education field for 32 years and just feel like it is time for me to make this difficult decision.'

Mahmens, 56, has been at Linn-Mar 11 years, and on his watch, the athletics programs have flourished in state-of-the-art facilities.

The past few years have included the construction of Linn-Mar Stadium, the Linn-Mar Aquatic Center and a new baseball and softball complex.

'That's not just about me,' he said. 'That commitment comes from the top down. A lot of people had a vision to do this. If you find a school with better facilities than ours, I'd like to see them. I think ours are second to none.'

Mahmens came to Linn-Mar from Clinton High School in 2005. He coached football and boys' track and field there for two years, then became the AD in 2001.

He graduated from Northeast High School in Goose Lake, then attended Cornell College, where he graduated in 1983. He made coaching stops at Northeast, Delwood, Clarence-Lowden and Chariton before going to Clinton.

'I have truly enjoyed working with all of the MVC athletic directors, Linn-Mar coaches and student-athletes during my time here at Linn-Mar,' Mahmens said. 'It was a class act when I started, and it's a class act now.'

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