It may be a Tuesday afternoon in August, but the energy at Hangar 21 Restaurant & Pizzeria in Lakehurst feels like the community is gathering ahead of a Friday night game under the lights. As guests are welcomed with a preview of the 2025 Manchester Hawks football schedule and plates of food from Hangar 21’s owner and chef Sal, excitement fills the room. Residents from Leisure Village West (LVW) have gathered as the live audience for a podcast episode celebrating the upcoming season and showcasing the strong bond between the Manchester-Lakehurst community and its schools.
The taping of Walk the Talk, a podcast created by and for the Leisure Village West community, is hosted by LVW residents Alex Peck and Rob Lombardo. The show has grown in popularity and today drew a full house for an exclusive football season preview featuring Manchester Township High School Head Coach Tommy Farrell and team captains Mike Fink and Miguel Espinal.
The conversation highlighted not only the Hawks’ preparation for the season but also the students’ ongoing community involvement, most recently through the Technology 101 initiative, which earned front-page coverage in The Manchester Times. It’s clear that the connection between MTHS students and the broader community remains as strong as ever.
This year’s team mantra is IOE: Integrity Over Ego. Coach Farrell emphasized his player-centered, community-first philosophy, where leadership is earned through service and humility. “The price of being successful,” said Farrell, “is accepting the challenge of our new division. If we want to be respected in the B-South, we have to earn it. Last year’s championship is in the rearview mirror. We want to play the best to become the best.”
Captains Fink and Espinal echoed this mindset. “Football is more than just a game here in Manchester because of Coach Farrell,” they shared. “He teaches us resilience and brotherhood. We know there’s no substitute for hard work.”
The MTHS Hawks will kick off their season on August 28 at 5 PM at Manchester Township High School. The community is invited, today and always, to show up, cheer loud, and be part of something special. Many neighborhoods and communities are already planning group meetups at the games, and the team feels every bit of the energy and support.
Thank you for standing with our players. Your spirit makes a difference for every sport, and every game.
