“We feel like it’s our time to finally come to the light and for people to find out what LuHi football is all about.”
New head coach Tiquan Garner has big goals for the Long Island Lutheran High School football program. He takes over for Chris Reno, who stepped down after 18 seasons leading the Crusaders.
Garner is no stranger to the Old Brookville school. A former star running back at LuHi, he graduated in 2013 and has spent the last six years as an assistant coach. He played college ball at Wagner, where he received a full scholarship, started for two seasons at defensive back, and served as team captain in his senior year.
“It feels like when ‘Melo came back to the Garden,” Garner tells Greater Long Island. “Just carrying the tradition, the values that we hold here true — especially academic excellence — and getting these guys ready for the next level.”
Joining Garner on the sidelines is another LuHi alum with serious experience at the next level: eight-year NFL veteran Shamar Stephen returns for his second season as an assistant coach.
“The kids believe in us,” says Stephen. “It’s just about building day by day. Brick by brick. Once we do that, the sky is the limit for these kids.”
“I really do believe we got one of the best coaching staffs in New York,” says rising senior Jacob Butler.
Butler, a wide receiver from Baldwin, has already verbally committed to Stanford. He credits the coaches for helping the Crusaders become a top contender in New York.
“They know what’s right and what’s not. You can listen to them and know they are telling you the right information because they’ve been there and done it at a high level.”
Crusaders starting quarterback Peyton Robinson agrees.
“I am excited about the future. LuHi football is often overlooked. But Coach Tiquan can bring us to that next step as a program.”
The journey begins Saturday, Sept. 6, in Maryland against Concordia Prep.
Top photo: Tiquan Garner at practice. (Credit: Andrew Rappaport)
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