There's a new king of Suffolk County football.
Henry Read (Seton Hall of Patchogue) held the title for decades until Comeswogue's Tom Cassese passed him. Then Bellport legend Joe Cipp Jr. overtook them both.
Under the Friday night lights in South Huntington, St. Anthony's Coach Rich Reichert added his name to the exclusive club. With the Friars' 28-0 win over CHSFL rival Holy Cross, Reichert earned his 212th career victory to become winningest football coach in Suffolk history.
“I’m thrilled for Richie,” Athletic Director Don Buckley said. “He’s all about what coaching should be about. It’s commitment, dedication and loyalty. He’s so hard working. And does things in a way that everyone respects. The way he treats kids is wonderful.”
The Friars (1-2) jumped in front of previously unbeaten Holy Cross, 21-0, by halftime. Sophomore running back Jordan Gowins scored three times to lead an offense playing without starting quarterback Greg Galligan (concussion).
Reichert, a retired Nassau County Police officer, now owns 212-50-3 won-loss record in his 26th season leading the Friars. For his part, Reichert said he was glad to reach the milestone so the focus could return to football and not the record.
The crowd of 2,000 gave the iconic coach a standing ovation once the feat was announced over the loudspeaker with 25 seconds left in the game. The entire stadium buzzed, according to Buckley.
"On the sidelines you could hear the kids talking," Buckley said. "They recognize how difficult this is to coach for so long and do it at the highest level."
Bro. Christopher Thurneau, the team’s moderator Reichert's entire tenure, gave the coach the game ball on the field afterward.
There's no rest in this profession. Reichert was at the junior varsity football game Saturday morning and then planned to scout next week's opponent – archrival Chaminade.
--Mike Bardunias