Submitted by Rob Kinch and Joseph Mudrak
Success is nothing new for Rahway’s high school football team. After finishing 2016 with a record of 7-3 and an appearance in the state semi-finals in 2017, the RHS Indians improved yet again to earn a ticket to the 2018 state sectional finals on Sunday, November 18, 2018. Although eventually eliminated, Rahway’s continued improvement exemplifies the vision of head coach Brian Russo who took helm of the team in 2016 and guided his players to achieve an impressive 10-2 record to cap their 2018 season.
“Coach Russo kept us together from the first day he came,” explains running back/safety Da’Shon Moore. Linebacker Qualil Lumpkins credits his coach with showing the team “how to play off each other’s strengths,” while quarterback Ja’kir Robinson affirms, “We learned the importance of having each other’s backs.” One could easily recognize this spirit of ‘brotherhood’ in plain view in each of the season’s games as the team achieved success by playing as one cohesive unit rather than as just individuals looking to garner personal status.
Through the examples of dedication and hard work set by both their coaches, receiver/defensive back Mark Bails learned that “to keep pushing…to keep going” was also sound advice for what lay ahead after high school. “Even though you fail,” adds Ja’kir Robinson, “you can go on in your life.” Modeling Coach Russo’s energy and unflinching persistence, Ja’kir affirms, “He does what he expects US to do!” (It was not unusual to see his coach in the middle of the field, in the rain, doing push-ups.) “We all knew what we were capable of.”
“Coach Russo is a high energy guy.” “He has brought his winning attitude to our district,” cites his assistant coach Dan Garay “He is always working, always ready to do what it takes to train the guys for success physically and mentally and to develop in them a sense of loyalty to their team.” Having played high school football himself and having a brother who played the game professionally, Dan Garay has had numerous opportunities for face to face contact with professional coaches and for endless conversations about personal experiences, techniques, and strategies of the game. With these insights, he is quick to recognize Coach Russo as a “a scientist…an architect of football.”
Rahway High School principal John Farinella extends his highest compliments to the winning RHS Indians as he praises their “commitment, enthusiasm, and heart.” Principal Farinella acknowledges, “Team spirit helped the group to achieve and perform at a level that establishes them as the best in the history of Rahway High School.” He continues, “Coach Russo can inspire kids to get the most out of their potential; this is important not just for a varsity team but for a life lesson as well.”
It is evident that, for RHS’ Brian Russo, the care and concern he maintains for his players’ success extends far beyond the field. “Football teaches about life…its ups and downs…it parallels life,” professes the coach. “Toughness, physicality, selflessness” are all personal strengths he wishes to instill in his team members. Always leading by example, Coach Russo believes in the development of a great work ethic.” “You don’t have to be the best, but DO work at it. A sense of urgency and personal pride will bring success.”
Another definitely undeniable goal for their coach is for the Indians “to get to a state championship…and win it!” Looking confidently into the future he admits, “I want to see the kids with a ring on their finger!”
(above, l-r) Assistant Coach Dan Garay and Head Coach Brian Russo sharing a lighter moment while preparing for a game.
Photo by Joe Mudrak
