ADAMS, Mass. – The Berkshire Arts and Technology Charter Public School Monday announced the selection of Richard LaRocque as the school’s athletic director.

 

LaRocque, finishing his seventh year at the school, is a high school science teacher who has taught chemistry, anatomy & physiology, and environmental science. He is an MCLA alumnus, graduating there in 2016 with a bachelor of science degree and a major in environmental studies and biology.

 

LaRocque has been an athlete most of his life, playing baseball, basketball, and tennis. He is also widely involved in wilderness and outdoor activities—as an avid hiker, skier and ski instructor, and outdoor adventurer. While a student at MCLA, he was a member of the college’s tennis team and captain of the team for the 2015-16 season. 

 

“Rich is a terrific science teacher,” the school's executive director, Jay White, said. “And he shines as an enthusiastic member of the [the school's] community. He has brought his love of athletics to [the school] as well—from organizing after-school pickup basketball, to serving as assistant coach of the boys’ basketball team, to this year serving as head coach of [the school's] new interscholastic volleyball team. Rich will be a terrific director of athletics for [the school], caring for and advancing [the school's] sports in important ways.”

 

The charter school's interscholastic sports currently include cross country, soccer, basketball, ultimate frisbee, and volleyball. A member of the River Valley Athletic League, Berkshire Arts and Technology Charter is joined in RVAL by the Academy at Charlemont, Buxton School (Williamstown), Dublin (N.H.) School, Eagle Hill School (Hardwick), Four Rivers Charter Public School (Greenfield), Hartsbrook School (Hadley), High Mowing School (Wilton, N.H.), Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School (South Hadley), Putney School (Putney, Vt.), St. Michael's School (Brattleboro, Vt.), Stoneleigh-Burnham School (Greenfield), and White Oak School (Westfield).

 

"Athletics is an essential part of [the school],” Assistant Principal Marcus Hass said. “Rich has a vision for [the school's] athletics, and I am confident that he will take us to the next level.”