Matyczyk resigns as Knights' baseball coach, Lasbury next?

After compiling a record of 104-60 over eight seasons as the Southington High School baseball head coach, Steve Matyczyk decided to step down from his post as the Southington Athletic Department made an official announcement Tuesday (Dec. 14) morning.

Mayczyk, who has young children, cited the decision was based heavily on his desire to be closer to his family. The release also mentioned that his decision was in order to pursue other coaching opportunities, but didn't mention any specific ones.

Matyczyk had obvious success, judging by his record, and certainly was a knowledgeable head coach. He was always easy to work with and had an innate passion for the game of baseball.

As for replacements, it's too soon in the process to have any real information, but let's throw one name out there that would not surprise me at the least as the next coach. That name is Bob Lasbury.

He's the current head coach for the boys basketball team at Southington and is the Mathematics Department Chair. He's well-liked by students and athletes alike and has a deep background in baseball. He was a standout in high school at Holy Cross before going on to play baseball at Manhattanville College. He was drafted in the 14th round (408th overall) by the Colorado Rockies in the 1993 Amateur Draft. So that background is there as far as baseball and the roots are there as far as Southington.

You can almost be certain he'll get a long look from Athletic Director Eric Swallow and company.

An interesting note: Matyczyk followed historic baseball coach John Fontana, who left lofty expectations. Even though he finished 44 games above .500, some may still view Matyczyk's tenure with skewed perspective. The next coach will now be one coach removed from the Fontana-era, making things slightly less easier, expectations-wise, at least.