A decorated coach, dedicated alumnus, and mentor, Battaglia will be stepping out of retirement to lead the program.
“At Aquinas, success is not just measured in championships,” said David Eustis, Aquinas President. “The school’s Basilian Fathers motto, ‘Teach me Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge,’ is a guiding principle that extends from the classroom onto the field. Coach Battaglia has long embodied these values, making his return an easy decision.”
Battaglia, a 2020 Aquinas Hall of Fame inductee, has had a storied career in high school football. During his previous coaching tenure (2006–2016), Battaglia led the Li’l Irish to:
- Nine Section V Championships
- Six Western New York titles
- Four New York State Championships
- A No. 14 national ranking in 2015—the highest ever for a New York state team at the time
More than 50 of his players were named First-Team All-Greater Rochester, nearly 50 received New York All-State honors, and many went on to play college and professional sports. But, more importantly, according to Aquinas Athletic Director Anthony Bianchi, Battaglia has always put his players first, instilling in them the discipline, work ethic, and values that define an Aquinas education.
“Aquinas Football is built on tradition, and that tradition is rooted in the development of student-athletes who succeed on and off the field,” said Bianchi. “Coach Battaglia’s record speaks for itself, but it’s his dedication to the charisms of Aquinas that made this decision so clear. His leadership will ensure that our program continues to thrive.”
Battaglia is looking forward to his return to coaching. “My focus remains on developing our players, building a winning culture, and ensuring long-term success for AQ's renowned program,” he said.
For more information about The Aquinas Institute Football Program, please contact Athletic Director, Anthony Bianchi at [email protected].