New Name and New Hopes for St. Luke’s Football

"We want to make a name for ourselves as a big football school," said senior quarterback Mac Pivirotto, "and to do that we really need to step it up this year."

The St. Luke's Storm has come up short the past few years, but with returning veterans and a new team name (the Crusaders mascot was retired this past year), optimism abounds in pre-season practices.

St. Luke's plays in the Fairchester League which is comprised of eight independent schools in Connecticut and Westchester County.  The Storm wrapped up with an unflattering 3-6 record in the 2009 campaign, but while the program has struggled recently, past performances are being brushed aside and the slate wiped clean.

Head coach Ryan Brown is confident in his team's potential to put points on the board, "We're excited; we have a bunch of guys coming back that have played for us for a few years now that know the system," adding proudly, "we have some real talent out here."

The key to success this year will be a speedy offense highlighted by the multi-dimensional tandem of Jeff Joseph and Zaire Reiph in the backfield and Kevin Cross who will be hauling in catches at wide receiver. "We're pretty fast," noted Brown.

The offense will be led at QB by Pivirotto who has been with the team for four years, although this is his first year as a starter. "We have high hopes for him," said Brown.

Challenges include the offensive line which, after losing key players from last season, is the most inexperienced unit, "but they're coming around; they're figuring it out," explained Brown. Senior Henry Nelson who plays up front agreed, "there will be some miracles there this year."

Brown went on to explain that another one of his constant challenges is depth.  "We don't have a ton of guys; we're a small school and we face that every year."

Still, players and coaches alike are eager to kick off the season.  Reiph explained, "We need to come together as a team, play as one, and get the brotherhood back.  Last year we did a great job of that and hopefully we can get even farther in the season."

The Storm begins the regular season away at Hopkins School in New Haven on September 24.  Their home opener in New Canaan takes place October 2 against Rye Country Day.