Kean Football stays upbeat despite slow start
By Stephen Strom | Published by October 1st, 2019
At 3:55 a.m., most people are bundled up in their blankets in a deep sleep. For Kean’s Head Football Coach Dan Garrett, his day is just beginning.
In his 14th season at Kean, Garrett has kept the same routine of waking up early, building a shatterproof culture, and carrying himself with a blue-collar work ethic that got him to this point in his career.
“What kind of coach would I be if I’m demanding the very best out of my players, but I’m not doing my part?” Garrett said. “I believe culture beats scheme, we’ve got a great group of men that work hard, lead the right way, and are just overall outstanding dudes.”
At 1-2, the Cougars headed into an early bye which gave the team an opportunity to recover. During training camp, three offensive linemen were injured and Garrett was forced to shuffle the line which wasn’t ideal for opening up against 14th-ranked Delaware Valley State.
“Pete Lejawa gets low and tries to drive his defender to make a tackle”
Photo courtesy of Pete Lejawa via Instagram
“Playing those top teams are good for us, you learn a lot about the team,” said Garrett. “We feel really good about our defense with guys like Deshawn Reed, Kory Kenny and Peter Lejawa leading the way. The offense is coming along as well. We’re running the spread now with a new offensive coordinator and quarterback.”
The Cougars are looking forward to getting back on the field after a week four win against Dean College.
“Starting off 1-2 is nothing but adversity,” said senior defensive tackle Peter Lejawa. “We as a team understand that we have a standard we must reach every day on the field, in the classroom, and as a person. We trust Coach Garrett and everything he preaches, I truly believe we will get this thing rolling.”
Lejawa had quite the offseason this summer losing 30 pounds to get leaner and nimble. He credits Kean’s Strength and Conditioning Coach Nick Graff for his growth. Lejawa already has 24 tackles in three games.
“Pete Lejawa with Head Strength and conditioning coach Coach Nick Graff”
Photo courtesy of Pete Lejawa via Instagram
Senior defensive back Kory Kenny wants this season to be different from last year’s one-win campaign.
“We have a lot of our defense coming back, we’re putting last year in the rear window,” said Kenny. “It’s a long season and we still have more than enough time to shock the rest of the conference.”
Senior linebacker and leader DeShawn Reed got off to a fast start to the year with 4.5 sacks in three games.
“My expectation for my senior year is to be absolutely dominant everywhere I go no matter who’s in front of me,” said Reed. “As a senior, I have to lead by example. Coach Garrett has done so much for me, it’s only right that I contribute to the team by giving them my all every play.”
Every year brings new players, different schemes, and clean slates but one answer stays consistent with the players’ thoughts on Coach Garrett.
“He’s changed my life, and if it wasn’t for G (Garrett), I wouldn’t be half the person I am today,” said Reed.
Lejawa agreed with Reed.
“I truly can say I love Coach G as a father figure,” he said. “It goes beyond football with him.”
The Cougars will take on Christopher Newport on Oct. 5 looking to move to 2-2.
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