Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Dennis Piron, Jr., coach of the Batavia football team, presented to us the many and varied aspects of the football program at BHS. It's a lot more than just winning state this year. 

Dennis is a lifelong Batavian; his dad founded and ran a business here, Dennis went to Batavia schools, later ran his own business here as well. Then he changed over to education, and on the way to where his is now, started out as assistant coach. Dennis is grateful to those who chose to "hire from within," meaning to hire him, instead of conducting an external search, in which case very many highly qualified candidates would have been happy to apply. Batavia, our schools, facilities, and our support of education are just that good. 

Dennis' dad died when Dennis was a BHS sophomore, and, says Dennis, "when that happens, you get a lot of dads." Dennis obviously tries to return and emulate this. His goals for BHS football:
• Sense of community
• (Good) Relations with parents
• Better, Stronger, Faster

Dennis appreciates the new facility that Batavians approved, including music rooms, a fitness center, and a weight facility better than what he had in college. The community's involved, to support the "Stronger" aspect of Dennis' goals, volunteers coach BHS athletes in the weight room, free of charge. 

The BHS program includes lots of off-field activities, which may leave student athletes with less free time. That, along with the leadership Dennis inculcates, can be a good thing at this age. The BHS athletes this year have been true role models, with "no drama," no misbehavior off the field, including at state. 

Several BHS athletes are multi-sport, for example the quarterback has a baseball scholarship and in 3 sports. 

Dennis supports academics and involves the the art, music, and history departments, and also the grade schools. BHS footballers play flag football with the "little kids," coaching and mentoring them, being looked up to, running the Batavia Youth Football program. This of course encourages the BHSers to act responsibly. Parents are involved more than ever, a boon during these final years at home. 

A big thank you to Dennis for his splendid efforts.

Presenter Dennis Piron (on left) pictured with Future President Dave Pedersen