Former Larkin player Esterino named coach
ELGIN -- Larkin graduate Matt Esterino was named the Royals varsity baseball coach on Tuesday.
Esterino, who graduated from Larkin in 2001, has been with the Royals baseball program for the last three years and spent the 2008 season as head coach of the sophomore team.
"It's really a dream situation," Esterino said. "After (college) I wanted to come back here. My heart has always been here."
Coming in as the new varsity coach, Esterino will bring with him a wealth of familiarity with the kids, coaching them as freshmen and sophomores and during the summers.
"I've coached these kids at school and on travel teams," Esterino said. "I joke with them that I've seen them more than my fiance and family. They love to play. Coach (Doug) Ellett left the program in real good shape."
The Royals 2009 roster will likely be led by incoming seniors Justin Kalusa, Luc Geier and Joe Stace and incoming junior Reid Ellis.
Esterino, 24, succeeds Ellett, who resigned in May after two seasons at the helm of the varsity team. Ellett posted a 36-29 mark during his tenure.
After interviewing for the head coaching position at the end of the school year in early June, Esterino said that he remained patient, having a general idea of when the school would make its decision.
On Tuesday, Esterino received the news he was hoping for.
"Matt's put in some years in the program," Larkin athletics director Jim Juliano said. "He has some ownership to what we're doing. He's intelligent, he's a young coach and has a passion for baseball.
"He's running our summer team right now and brings youthful enthusiasm and a love for game."
In an interesting twist, Esterino will actually be teaching at South Elgin High School beginning this fall.
Esterino had been teaching the last two years at Larkin and became a full-time social studies teacher this past year when a faculty member was out on maternity leave.
With her imminent return this fall, Esterino was left looking for a new a teaching gig. Luckily, South Elgin came calling.
"I needed the check," joked Esterino, who'll be getting married next month. "South Elgin called right before spring break with a position. It'll be a smooth transition, I have a lot of friends there."
Esterino had also been coaching Larkin's sophomore boys basketball team but says he probably won't coach this winter.
Esterino, an honorable mention selection on The Courier News' 2001 All-Area Baseball Team, is the oldest of five children, all of whom have suited up for the Royals.
His youngest sister Anna currently plays softball and his younger brother Chris just graduated after playing baseball and basketball while at Larkin.
His other two sisters, Stephanie and Rachel, also played softball at Larkin before playing at Elgin Community College.
