Dec. 9, 2010
VILLANOVA, Pa. - Art Mahan, a former athletic director and baseball coach at Villanova, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 97. In addition to being a part of Villanova athletics for more than 40 years as a student-athlete, coach and administrator, Mahan also played Major League Baseball for the Philadelphia Phillies and was the organization's oldest living player at the time of his death.
A funeral service is scheduled for Saturday at St. Hilary's Roman Catholic Church in Rydal. The viewing will begin at 9 a.m., with a Mass at 11 a.m.
Mahan graduated from Villanova in 1936 after being a four-year member of the baseball team. He would later coach the team for 23 years from 1950-72 and was the Director of Athletics from 1961 until his retirement in 1978. Over the years, Mahan presided over some of the greatest moments in the school's athletics history.
"Art Mahan is one of the true icons in the storied history of Villanova Athletics," said Director of Athletics Vince Nicastro. "His dedication as a student-athlete, coach and athletics director made a lasting impact on the university and served as the foundation for the success of Villanova Athletics over the decades. By all counts, Art was a true gentleman. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Mahan family."
During his first year as the Director of Athletics, the Wildcats celebrated one of the most remarkable days in their athletics history on December 30, 1961. That day the football team defeated Wichita State in the Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas, while that night the men's basketball team knocked off Iowa in Philadelphia to win the Quaker City Tournament.
Such accomplishments would come to define Mahan's stewardship of the University's athletics program. The men's basketball team reached the NCAA Tournament seven times during his tenure, including reaching the 1970 regional final and the 1971 national championship game. Meanwhile, the football team made back-to-back postseason appearances at the 1961 Sun Bowl and the 1962 Liberty Bowl.
In addition, the Villanova track team, coached by Jumbo Elliott, was one of the nation's best under Mahan's watch. The Wildcats turned out numerous Olympians, including gold medalists Paul Drayton and Larry James.
While coaching the baseball team for 23 years, Mahan registered 20 winning seasons and led the Wildcats to the NCAA Region II playoffs on five occasions. He had a career record of 262-155-5 (.627) as coach and is second in program history in career victories. Villanova reached the postseason for the first time ever in 1952 and returned to the playoffs in 1953, 1958, 1960 and 1961.
After his graduation from Villanova, Mahan was signed by the Phillies and played in the minor leagues until he was called up in 1940. He played in 146 games during the 1940 season, batting .244 with two home runs and 39 RBI as the team's starting first baseman.
Mahan then served as a Naval officer during World War II, training new recruits at the Quonset Point (R.I.) station while also coaching and instructing in physical education. He returned to his alma mater when he was hired as the baseball coach in 1950.
A native of Somerville, Mass., Mahan was a resident of Northeast Philadelphia for most of his adult life. He was the fourth oldest living major league baseball player and is survived by four sons and five daughters.
