By Rich Palzewic
Sports Editor
DE PERE – West De Pere’s Jack Batten has stepped down as the head coach of the varsity football team.
Batten led the Phantoms’ program for six years and spent another eight years as an assistant coach prior to being the head coach.
“I’m stepping down because I’m tired, both physically and mentally,” said Batten, who led the Phantoms to an overall record of 59-13 record during his tenure. “I’m not upset or angry about anything – this is a phenomenal place to work. We have great kids, great support and awesome facilities. It’s a great community, but I need some time to catch my breath.”
West De Pere finished runner-up at the 2018 WIAA Division 3 state championships, losing to Catholic Memorial, 37-24.
The Phantoms led 24-0 in the title game in the third quarter before watching Memorial score 37 consecutive points.
“The relationships I’ve made with the coaches and the players will be missed,” Batten said. “I’ve enjoyed the kids coming back after graduation. Some are doctors, lawyers, physics teachers and head football coaches. It’s nice to see some have followed in my footsteps. They have been outstanding young men.”
Even though he will miss being on the sidelines on Friday nights, Batten said he is looking forward to stepping away from the field.
“I am looking forward to spending time with my wife, kids, brothers and sisters,” he said. “I am excited to get back into some hunting and fishing and getting out on the pontoon boat. I’m also looking forward to reconnecting with old friends. High school and college buddies quit asking you do to things when you can’t be with them. I’ve not stood up at weddings or gone to class reunions. I can’t tell you how many times my wife told my kids, ‘No, Dad has football.’”
West De Pere will be moving into the Fox River Classic Conference this fall for football – a move Batten said is good for the program.
“Us going into the FRCC didn’t drive my decision whatsoever,” he said. “I had already started watching film on some of our future opponents. It will help the program to move into the FRCC. There will be more competition in the regular season. That might mean a few more losses during the year, but if the goal is success in the playoffs, the move will definitely help.”
Batten is a high school physics teacher at West De Pere.
“I probably have a couple more years of teaching yet,” Batten said. “My daughters are still in college. I still enjoy the classroom.”