We extend our congratulations to Chelsea High athletic director Frank DePatto, who has been selected to represent the Commonwealth Athletic Conference at the National Interscholastic Athletic Association Conference in Orlando, Florida next week.
His selection by the CAC athletic directors reflects the high regard in which his peers hold him. As the dean of athletic administrators in the conference, Frank’s distinction stems from his accomplished 26-year tenure as athletic director at Chelsea High School.
Throughout his career, Frank has recognized the vital importance of athletics in shaping high school students. He witnessed this firsthand when his own son, Gregory, served as captain of the 1980 CHS football team that defeated Everett in the annual Thanksgiving game. Gregory went on to receive the prestigious Thom McAn Award as the outstanding scholar-athlete.
Long before Frank took over from legendary athlete Saul Nechtem as athletic director at Chelsea High School, he was deeply engaged with the local sports community. During the 1970s and 1980s, he was a fixture at CHS sporting events, where he watched standouts including Bobby Spinney, Mike Lush, Dave Molloy, Richie Zaluski, Bobby Goss, Dave Batchelor, Dom LaMarra, Jay Ash, Craig Walker and Jeff Hagan lead the Red Devils to success in the old Greater Boston League.
Frank also played a significant role in the Chelsea Men’s Summer Basketball League, which drew crowds to Merritt Park on warm evenings. He later coached a traveling squad featuring college basketball standouts such as Rudy Williams, Jerry Scott, John Fisher, and Jay Ash, who would go on to become Chelsea city manager.
As head of the CHS athletic program, Frank has consistently prioritized the welfare of Chelsea’s student-athletes. Many have advanced to compete in college sports.
“fblikebutton_button” Frank told the Record that representing Chelsea High School and the city of Chelsea at the national athletic directors’ conference is an honor.
Chelsea takes pride in having Frank represent our community at this important national gathering.