On Monday, May 5, Loomis Chaffee celebrated the service milestones, ranging from five to forty years, of our dedicated faculty and staff. Four members of our athletics department were honored: Craig Lamenzo, Jean Sapula, Andrew Bartlett, and Greg Battistoni.
Athletic Facilities Manager Craig Lamenzo has been a cornerstone of the Loomis community for 20 years. Mr. Lamenzo takes great pride in ensuring game days run smoothly, emphasizing that “It’s about creating the conditions for students to enjoy and succeed in sports.” Beyond the logistics, Mr. Lamenzo has had some of his most meaningful memories here on the Island, one of which was watching his sons, Giancarlo ’24 and Luca ’27, compete on the fields he helped prepare. Mr. Lamenzo states that his work is more than just administering and coordinating—it’s about being part of a larger team. “Every role, including mine, plays a part in the team’s success,” he reflected.
Sports Medicine Team Member Jean Sapula thrives in the fast-paced, problem-solving environment of athletic care. Whether it’s managing long-term recoveries or helping an athlete get to practice on time, Ms. Sapula values the strong relationships formed here. “My job at Loomis is the one that made me feel like I was home,” she shared. Likewise, many students share a strong bond with Ms. Sapula from their daily visits to the trainers or her simple acts of kindness. Helen Lu ’27 remarked: “I remember it was the first day of preseason, and I lost the passcode for my lock. Ms. Sapula saw that I was struggling and kindly offered to help. Together, we found the passcode, and I got to practice only a minute late.” Additionally, Lu emphasized Sapula’s support for her sports injuries: “I hurt my ankle during the fall, and she was so supportive and gave me all the exercises to make my ankle better and stronger.” A full-circle moment in Sapula’s career came when she cared for the daughter of two athletes she worked with years ago. Both daughters are now Division I players. Her dedication and experience highlight how the athletic experience at Loomis reaches beyond the games themselves, forming lifelong connections rooted in trust, care, and support.
Andrew Bartlett, who coaches cross country, track, and hockey, is well known for his love of Saturday competitions and focus on the process. He recalled a standout moment at the New England Cross Country Championship when Loomis upset Andover thanks to perfect execution and the team members’ trust in each other. Over time, his coaching philosophy has evolved: “Now I focus on when they’ll actually listen and absorb it. If you’re proud of the process, you’ve been successful.” Mr. Bartlett’s leadership emphasizes resilience, humility, and the importance of growth over results, lessons that have shaped his athletes long after they leave the course.
Also recognized was Greg Battistoni, head coach of boys varsity basketball who also serves as a member of the Admissions team. “Coaching at Loomis has been incredibly rewarding,” he said. “Watching a player’s growth from freshman year to college is the best part.” He recalled the team’s 2020 New England Championship win just before the COVID-19 shutdown as a bittersweet highlight. He also continues to support former players through college transfers, a growing part of the basketball world. “Each group is different. You have to stay flexible and always bring tape on road trips,” he joked.
Whether it’s maintaining fields, treating injuries, guiding practices, or leading championship teams, these four individuals exemplify the spirit of Loomis athletics. Their dedication has shaped student-athletes’ experiences both on and off the field. They remind us that behind every victory, every comeback, and every practice, there are people working with care, consistency, and passion. We are proud to call them Pelicans.
