The Dragons have a program brimming with potential; the school's enrollment is approaching 3,000 students and the new high school that opened this school year has a beautiful on-campus stadium along with all the amenities a coach could ask for.
On top of that, Rocconi played for the Dragons before his college career at Memphis State.
Despite all that, he said it was extremely difficult to leave White Station, which has been his home for the last six seasons. He'll replace Mike O'Neill, who announced his resignation in December for health reasons.
"People from Collierville would not think it was a tough decision but it was extremely tough," said Rocconi, who was officially named Monday and was introduced to the Dragons' faithful during Tuesday's region basketball tournament that the school is hosting.
"Talking to the (White Station) team (Monday) was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. And this is probably the toughest decision I've ever had to make because I knew what I had over there: great kids, great athletes and a great administration.
"But I also knew I had that over here. And the balance was coming home. I'm already a part of this community."
And also a part of the school's Hall of Fame, having been inducted after lettering four years at linebacker. Rocconi coached at Rossville Christian before moving to White Station and guiding the Spartans to playoff appearances each year. White Station lost to Hendersonville in the 6A semifinals in 2013 and fell to Ravenwood in the quarterfinals two years later.
Along the way he sent over 60 players to college, most notably Oregon star wide receiver Dillon Mitchell. If Rocconi can unearth another Mitchell or two at Collierville and turn the Dragons into as dangerous a team as White Station, the fans will be thrilled.
"Everybody's on the same page and there's a good vision for the program," he said. "But I really think (the most important thing) is keeping kids at Collierville. It's like at White Station; the middle schools out here are fantastic and there are athletes everywhere. But sometimes they chose different ... Click here to read full article
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