Matson an Academic All-American

Jared Matson, a 2008 graduate of Albert Lea High School, received Academic All-America honors this summer, based on his participation on the Riverland Community College basketball team this past winter, and academic excellence at the school.

Matson received consideration for the award after being recommended for it by Riverland mens’ basketball coach, Dan Swift, and Athletic Director. David Lillemon.

Matson’s honor is being presented by the National Junior College Athletic Association and only those with an academic GPA of 3.3 or higher were eligible.

Matson will receive plaques from the NJCAA and Riverland Community College, and plans for an award presentation at a Riverland basketball game this winter are pending.

At Albert Lea High School, Matson played varsity football, basketball and baseball.

After graduating, Matson enrolled at Rochester Community and Technical College, where he participated in baseball during the 2008-09 season before transferring to Riverland.

He is currently enrolled at Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, where he is studying secondary education and coaching, and plans on playing basketball.

Matson is the son of Tim and Sheila Matson, of Albert Lea.