LYNN — After 16 years behind Mike Zukowski, the Rams will have a new voice in the dugout in Leon Elwell, who was announced as Lynn Classical’s head baseball coach Friday afternoon.
“I want to thank Principal Dunn and Vice Principal Warren and Athletic Director Billy Devin for trusting me and giving me this opportunity to lead the program to the next chapter,” Elwell said.
When asked about his initial reaction, Elwell said he was “extremely excited.”
“I worked hard for a really long time to get this opportunity. It was a culmination of hard work and I couldn’t have done this without every single player who has played for me,” said Elwell, who coaches Greater Lynn Babe Ruth.
He added he couldn’t have done it without former coaches, assistants, and friends along the way – especially his wife, Lisa, who pushed him to apply.
“There are people who I also couldn’t have gotten this job without. Chris Tgettis is like a mentor to me. In addition, I have to thank Al Donovan, Rich Avery, Jeff Earp, and Dicky Newton who helped me along the way,” Elwell said. “I have to give a special shoutout to my wife, Lisa, who encouraged me more than anyone to go and apply for this position. It was with her blessing that I did this.”
Elwell, who coached Marblehead’s junior varsity team in the late 1990s and early 2000s before departing to dedicate time with his kids, said he’s watched Classical a solid amount.
“I watched them play over the course of the year,” Elwell said. “I know we lost a lot of seniors. We’re going to be really young, but I’m not worried about that. It can be a good thing with a new coach coming in. I’m not going to reinvent the wheel and I won’t take away the stuff Coach Mike Zukowski did, but you want to put your own stamp on what you’re doing.”
Although Zukowski won’t be in the dugouts next season, Elwell said he offered to help if needed.
“Coach Zukowski reached out to me and extended his hand in anything I needed, and I appreciate that. I told him I will definitely be leaning on him. I’ve coached for a long time, but there are still things I need to learn about the high school game,” Elwell said.
As for student-athletes, they’re students first, according to Elwell.
“I’m going to implement that all of our students stay eligible throughout the year. Academics is the most important thing. Sometimes, student-athletes get lost in the fact that they are students first and athletes second,” Elwell said. “On the field, they’re going to be gentlemen, respectful, play hard, and be prepared for every game.”
Then, on the field, it’s all business.
“I want to be a players’ coach,” Elwell said. “I’m a new school disciplinarian. I want the kids to have fun and be relaxed and learn the game. But, more importantly, I want them to learn about life and sports is a great way to do that. Sports give you the skills to survive in life. You need to be on time, be disciplined, and be dedicated.”
“I want every player in the city of Lynn to come to Classical to not only play baseball, but to get a first-class education,” Elwell said.
As for the Classical faithful, Elwell says it’s “a new chapter.”
“They should look forward to a hard-nosed group of guys. I want the team to work hard every day,” Elwell said. “The goal is to make the state tournament every year. We want to continue the success that Coach Zukowski left by making it every year.”
