June 2, 2011
Former Vanderbilt defensive standout Roc Batten is the new head coach at Battle Ground Academy in Franklin, Tenn.
Batten, who played at Vanderbilt from 1994 to 1998 and later coached the Commodores, has been at The Ensworth School since 2005.
“BGA has a long and storied tradition of success on the football field and is recognized as a leading independent school in Middle Tennessee,” said Batten. “I am honored to join the staff and look forward to coaching a great group next year. I have coached against these kids and know firsthand that we will be competing hard and making BGA proud of our football program.”
John Griffith, head of school at BGA, praised Batten’s abilities in making the announcement. “We had an incredible pool of applicants ranging from long-time head coaches to college coaches. Roc quickly emerged as the leading candidate,” said Griffith.
“(Batten) has all of the attributes we were seeking in a head coach. He has a proven track record on the field of helping student-athletes maximize their abilities. He is a person of great character who sees the importance of developing all facets of young people. He also understands the unique opportunities provided by an independent school education and will assist in admissions, summer camps and other programs,” Griffith added.
As a Commodore junior in 1997, Batten was one of the team’s top defensive players, contributing 52 tackles and three interceptions. During spring drills following the `97 season, Batten’s playing career was cut short when he suffered nerve damage in his neck.
Though out of uniform in 1998, Batten instead contributed as a student assistant coach. In 1999-2000, he was promoted to graduate assistant coach. In 2001, Batten was named to a full-time position, coaching Commodore outside linebackers and serving as recruiting coordinator.
Batten has both his undergraduate and Master’s degrees from Vanderbilt. He is a member of the American Football Coaches Association, Black Coaches Association and Bellevue Exchange Club. In addition, he is a board member of Who You With Ministries and H.O.Y.A.S. Foundation. He and his wife, Sone-Serae, have three children.
At Ensworth, he was the defensive coordinator for the 2010 Division II AA football champions. In addition to coaching football, he served as Director of Service Learning, Admissions Assistant and Director of Summer programs. Prior to joining Ensworth, Batten served on the staff at Montgomery Bell Academy in Nashville, which won two state championships during his tenure there.
