Joe Demelo Renamed Varsity Baseball Coach at Seekonk High School

In early February it was reported that Joe Demelo had been hired as the varsity baseball coach at after the dismissal of then coach Dave Hanson. After considerable backlash from members of the community who wanted the job to be posted, it was, and the athletic department asked for candidates to apply.

On Wednesday, Seekonk athletic director Ray Grant confirmed that Joe Demelo was officially hired as the head coach. Long-time Seekonk teacher and coach Fred Crippen was also hired as the JV baseball coach.

Grant was short and sweet with his comments, referring media to his previous statements that Demelo was "the best candidate for the job."

Demelo was also brief in his comments, but said he was excited to get to work.

"I just want to start," said Demelo of the 2011 season which will be his first as the skipper for Seekonk.

Fred Crippen will take the junior varisty post, which Demelo vacated last July. Demelo said he is happy with the hiring of his assistant. "Yeah, the kids like him. He knows what he has to do," said Demelo of Crippen.

Seekonk baseball players were called to a meeting at school today to learn the news.

"Yeah, we had an official meeting about it today...it was an excited environment. Everyone loves Macho Joe," said Sean Heaney, a senior member of the baseball team. "I was glad, ever since 8th grade I've wanted to have him again as a coach."

Jake Silva, a junior returning to play first base again for the Warriors, echoed Heaney's sentiments.

"I think it's the right choice. He's coached in Seekonk for a while. It's just easier than having someone potentially random coming in and bringing a whole new system."

Demelo exploded onto the Seekonk Baseball scene when he coach the towns Junior League all-stars to a State Championship in 2007. Demelo took a group of 13 to 14 year olds from the towns youth baseball program to the regional tournament in New Jersey. The team was two wins away from playing for a national championship. He was also the coach of Seekonk's 311 Post American Legion baseball team before becoming the junior varsity coach.

Dale Seward was alos hired as the boys varsity tennis coach today. He assumes the post vacated by Richard Silva. Seward was previously the long time coach of the tennis team at Woonsocket High School.