Varsity Football: A Season In Review

Head football coach Noel Thomas tends to wax philosophical when it comes to the game he loves. “The reason why I coach football is because it teaches young boys to become men, and allows men to remember their childhoods.” Expectations were high for the St. Luke’s varsity football team in the 2015 season, both in terms of the record the team would achieve, and how the members of the squad would grow as individuals. While the former did not necessarily live up to the team’s expectations, the latter was certainly evident.

Thomas said, “We had hoped to do much better than .500. We didn’t reach our goal and we need to figure out how to reach our goals moving forward.” Tough love is a key part of Thomas’ football philosophy, and ultimate life philosophy, and the members of the Storm have bought into it with fervor. “One line, no gaps, no excuses. That’s what the football program is about,” said Thomas.

With that in mind, Thomas does not shy away from discussing the low points in the Storm’s season. “What stands out to me as our biggest downfall this season is inconsistent play. The boys played such great football, but often times they could not do it for the entire game.” While this might seem harsh, Thomas was insistent that the members of the team would agree. “They have really bought into the philosophy. They were always disappointed after a loss, but never made excuses.” In the coach’s estimation, this attitude is just as important as winning games. “When the team was down, they never stayed down. After the loss to Hamden Hall, we rallied together and had a great week of practice. The members of the team picked themselves up emotionally.”

Perhaps the best game of the Storm’s season was the dramatic win over Rye Country Day School.  While the win itself was exhilarating, Thomas saw it more as a win for the community. “Watching the entire team sing the alma mater from their hearts and really bond together as a family was a great success.” Beating King, the Storm’s longtime rival was good, said Thomas. But, “that moment after the Rye game—seeing the team come together as a family—that was more powerful. I felt great about the connection that was made on that day.”

The Storm finished 4-4 on the season, and 12 seniors will to college next year. The loss of the senior class signifies the loss of both talent and leadership, but Thomas is highly optimistic about the 2016 season. “The team is so deep and has some unbelievable talent.” While Thomas had nothing but good things to say about every player under his tutelage, there were a few standouts that we was sure to mention. Running back Justin Brown ’17 will once again be an offensive force for the Storm. He has already received offers from Army and Temple. Wide receiver Omar Fortt ‘17, who proved himself to be an outstanding player this season is a DI prospect, says Thomas. Greg Goldstein ‘17,  the team’s starting quarterback, improved significantly this season, both as a player and as a character leader off the field.  Gavin Hass ’17, will once again lead the offensive line at center. Thomas noted Hass’s consistency and toughness as his greatest assets.  

The future looks bright for the St. Luke’s football program. With a deep, talented, and, most importantly, dedicated team and coaching staff, there seems to be no ceiling for success. “The journey is always what is most important,” said Thomas. “We will be true to ourselves regardless of what happens.”