Coupeville Sports

Chris Battaglia, ready to wage gridiron war. (John Fisken photo)

Chris Battaglia is going places, quickly.

The Coupeville High School freshman, who celebrates a birthday today, has already made a big impact in just a short time at the school.

Battaglia was an immediate hit in the fall, when he was a highly-effective starter for the Wolf varsity football squad.

By the time his first go-around was done, he had 56 tackles (2nd best on the team, 10th best in the 1A Olympic League) and a team-leading three sacks (4th best in the league).

A hard hitter who never backed down from the big boys, “The Italian Stallion” looks to be a two-way star as he moves forward.

A solid rusher in middle school ball, Battaglia seems likely to be in the thick of things next season, when Coupeville will have to replace its leading ball-carriers, Wiley Hesselgrave and Lathom Kelley.

Of course, there’s more than just football on his plate, as Battaglia also excelled in track the last two seasons.

As an eighth grader he finished in the top three in four different events (1600, shot put, discus, high jump) at the league championship meet, claiming top honors in the discus.

A solid citizen with huge upside, both athletically and off the field, Battaglia is at the forefront of a new wave of Wolves who have been intent on capturing the spotlight from day one.

I look forward to seeing his story continue to develop.

Happy cake day, Mr. Battaglia.