March 29, 2024
Illinois High School Football News


News

Fenwick tabs former NIU lineman Matt Battaglia as new head coach

Marist alum spent last two seasons an an offensive graduate assistant at Kent State

Fenwick’s Eian Pugh made sure to do his homework on his new coach.

The sophomore wide receiver is entering a critical portion of his career after a promising season that included 53 receptions for 802 yards and eight touchdowns.

When Fenwick officially announced the hiring of Matt Battaglia as the program's new football coach on Monday, Pugh said he was excited about his junior season. Battaglia is the 16th coach in Fenwick history, replacing Gene Nudo following his eighth season.

“I know that he’s a young and runs an uptempo offense and has a lot of college level connections which is exciting,” Pugh said. “He also went and coached at Marist, which is a big program in the area. I’m very excited for next season.”

By all accounts, Pugh was spot-on in his assessment of the former Marist and Northern Illinois offensive lineman. Battaglia became a first-time head coach after spending the last two seasons an an offensive graduate assistant coach at Kent State. Battaglia was a starting offensive linemen at Marist and played four seasons at Northern Illinois (2010-13).

Battaglia said he's already drafted a plan to incorporate his philosophies.

“We are going to go fast, like we did a bit at NIU, also did here at Kent State,” Battaglia said. “We want to go fast in all phases, in offense, swarming on defense and covering on special team.

"The opportunity to lead these young men at Fenwick is really exciting. I just want to stress to community and anyone who wants to know, we are going to do things the right way, have a culture that breeds success, not by what we do on the field, but how we do everything.”

Besides bringing a youthful perspective, Battaglia has a long history of playing and coaching on elite teams. He was a captain on Marist’s Class 8A quarterfinal team in 2008.

After spending a season at Harper College, Battaglia was a part of two Mid-American Conference championship teams at Northern Illinois, highlighted by the Huskies earning an Orange Bowl bid in the 2012 season.

“We are thrilled to have Matt take the reins of our football program and lead the Friars on the gridiron into the next decade," said Fenwick athletic director Scott Thies in the statement.

"Matt is a person of great character who has been surrounded by great coaches and mentors his entire life, including Pat Dunne, Rod Carey, Mike Fitzgerald and Sean Lewis. His vision for the program, student-centered approach and passion for football really stand out. Matt brings an innovative style of offensive football that has proven to be successful at the high school and collegiate level.”

Pugh is one of nine offensive starters set to return next season on a Friars’ team brimming with potential that reached the second round of the Class 5A playoffs this season. Sophomore quarterback Kaden Cobb passed for 2,171 yards and 21 touchdowns to earn First-Team All-Catholic League/East Suburban Catholic White Division selection.

Pugh said the returning members on the team are excited about the future, but he credits Nudo for helping him develop into a quality student-athlete.

“I learned a lot from Coach Nudo,” he said. “He taught me how to push through adversity…I’ll forever cherish the special moments I had with him, from the 6 a.m. practices to team meals in the cafeteria. Coach Nudo and the Class of 2022 had a plan, and we are here to finish it.”