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By Michael Flanagan
Hometown Weekly Sports Editor
Under head coach Rocky Batty, the Wellesley High School boys varsity lacrosse program has enjoyed immense amounts of success throughout the past 10 years. Perennially at or near the top of the Bay State Conference, Batty has helped shape WHS into a lacrosse power, with several handfuls of Batty’s former players going on to compete at the collegiate level, most recently with Grant Chryssicas and Brandon Conroy (class of 2017) heading off to Amherst and Skidmore.
On August 30, Batty announced via Twitter that he is stepping down as head lacrosse coach at Wellesley High School to serve as an assistant for Boston University men’s lacrosse, an up-and-coming Division I program that finished the 2017 season 12-5. Batty leaves Wellesley with an outstanding 134-57 record (.701 winning percentage).
Batty took time to thank WHS, both his current and former players, and all those who have contributed to Raider lacrosse throughout his tenure on Twitter, and says he is excited for the upcoming opportunity to coach the Terriers.
“Just met with the best bunch of young men,” said Batty. “Good luck at Wellesley this spring. Will miss the program. Thanks for the ride. Too many people to thank, unbelievable program. Excited about the future. Once a Raider, always a Raider. Excited to be going back to college!”
Wellesley High athletic director John Brown thanked Batty for his ten years of service on Twitter.
“Thank you Coach Batty for all that you have done for our program the last 10 years,” said Brown. “We will miss you and best of luck at BU.”
As for the future of Wellesley High lacrosse, the Raiders will return a solid group of upperclassmen in 2018, highlighted by senior goaltender, captain, and Penn State commit, Teddy Darcey. Coaching has a lot to do with a team’s success in lacrosse, and no matter who takes over the job will certainly have their work cut out for them in the always-difficult Bay State Conference. However, the talent emerging from the youth program combined with the skilled veterans already present should still allow the Raiders to have an incredibly successful season next spring.
For funny and incisive sports analysis, follow Mike Flanagan on his personal Twitter at @fLAno0, or read his blog at www.flannylive.wordpress.com.
