Walt Currie, a prominent figure in high school football within the Shore Conference, announced his resignation as head coach of the Brick Memorial Mustangs following a standout season. Currie confirmed to NJ Advance Media that he made the decision after 19 years at the helm, a role he informed his players about in a meeting on Monday afternoon.
“It was not an easy decision and it”s taken me a while to understand the why and the when,” Currie stated. He likened his departure to a parent removing training wheels from a child”s bike, emphasizing that it was time for him to let go and allow others to take the reins.
Currie”s resignation is not solely a personal choice; he believes it is crucial for the continuity of the program. “I don”t think there”s a better time to maximize the probability of a guy who”s on staff getting the job right now,” he mentioned, highlighting the strong culture and coaching staff in place at Brick Memorial. Currie expressed hope that his successor would come from within the current coaching ranks, indicating that several staff members are prepared for head coaching roles in the future.
Under Currie”s leadership, Brick Memorial concluded the season with a record of 10-3, culminating in a 28-0 victory over Middletown North to secure the 2025 NJSIAA Central Jersey Group 4 title. This championship marked the third sectional title in the school”s history and the second under Currie”s guidance. The Mustangs pushed No. 5 Winslow Township to the limit in the Group 4 semifinals, ultimately falling short with a narrow 14-12 loss.
Since taking over as head coach in 2007, Currie has compiled a record of 117 wins and 85 losses. His early success included a Central Jersey Group 4 championship in his second season, where his team finished with a 9-3 record. Notably, Brian Staub, the current head coach at Point Pleasant Boro, was the quarterback of that championship team.
During his tenure, Brick Memorial claimed five division championships in the Shore Conference and had winning records in 11 of his 19 seasons. The Mustangs equaled the school record for wins in a season on two occasions, achieving 10 victories.
The 2025 team featured standout players, including quarterback Jason Lajara, who set a school record with 2,331 passing yards and 27 touchdown passes, alongside 720 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns for a total of 3,051 yards and 41 touchdowns in 11 games. Lajara, despite missing the first two games of the season due to illness, concluded his career as the all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns at Brick Memorial.
Linebacker Trey Tallmadge, who is committed to Sacred Heart, also had an impressive season, recording 66 tackles and two interceptions while becoming the school”s all-time leader in tackles. Wide receiver Nyzier Matthews set a career record for touchdown receptions with 23, surpassing the previous mark of 20 held by former NFL player Garrett Graham.
“It meant the world to me to provide an opportunity for them to play football at Brick Memorial at a high level,” Currie remarked about his players. “They maxed out their potential, and I think that”s the type of program we have. I”m just blessed and honored to be around these guys for the last four years and this program for the last 19.”
As the seventh head coach in the history of Brick Memorial, Currie leaves a lasting legacy as the longest-tenured coach since the program”s establishment in 1980. His coaching journey included time as an assistant at Point Boro and Toms River South, where he developed his coaching philosophy and the triple-option offense.
As Currie steps away, he reflects on his time at Brick Memorial with gratitude, acknowledging the community”s support and the dedication of players, coaches, and parents. With his departure, Brick Memorial football enters a new chapter, poised for continued success.
