by Rich Fisher, Sports Editor
South Brunswick High School wasted little time finding its new football coach.
And if experience at the big-time level counts for anything, it found a good one in Tarig Holman.
Mr. Holman was officially appointed as the new Vikings varsity football coach by the school board Monday night, taking over for Rick Mantz. Mr. Mantz resigned last month in order to pursue business opportunities.
”We are very excited about Tarig Holman as the Viking head football coach,” Athletic Director Elaine McGrath said. “Tarig has a wealth of football experience.”
It started at Randolph High School where Mr. Holman was first-team All-State while playing for the state power.
He went on to start for three years at the University of Iowa, was a Hawkeye co-captain and earned All-Big 10 honors at defensive back. Mr. Holman then was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but three knee surgeries in college and another injury during training camp forced him to make some decisions.
Mr. Holman eventually landed teaching jobs at New Brunswick and Highland Park high schools. He served as an assistant coach at NBHS for four years and also coached track and field.
Since arriving at SBHS two years ago, the English teacher has been a JV football coach and assistant varsity coach and is an assistant for the track and field team.
”His playing and coaching experience along with his love of the game, combined with his enthusiasm and energy make him a great choice for us,” Ms. McGrath said. “Tarig has shown he is a great communicator and a leader by example.”
The job is something Mr. Holman had always hoped for and feels it’s the silver lining to the clouds formed by his injuries.
”One of the things my dad always said is, a setback is a setup for a comeback,” he said. “Something perceived as a negative (the career-ending injury), I’ve been able to make as something positive. I thank God every day for things I have because of that one situation.
”I feel like this is the opportunity of a lifetime to have a job like this in such a great school district with a great program. I always try to be ready for an opportunity, and as soon as this one came along, I was ready for it.”
He’s now ready to maintain the winning tradition started by his predecessor.

