George Mattson rowed at West Catholic High School in Philadelphia, helping them to win the Stotesbury Cup on the Schuylkill River. He then rowed for the Penn AC crew and in 1932 helped the coxless fours crew to the NAAO (National Association of Amateur Oarsmen) Championship, which qualified them for the 1932 Olympics, where they finished fourth. He later coached schoolboy rowing on Boat House Row, then became crew coach at West Catholic High School, and was instrumental in founding the rowing program at St. Joseph’s College. From 1958-70 Mattson coached crew at Monsignor Bonner High School. He also worked a day job as manager of the Red Lion moving and storage company. Mattson was a member of the Undine Barge Club and was inducted into the West Catholic, Pennsylvania and Delaware County Sports Halls of Fame.
United States