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02/17/2016 11:00 PMChristian Lupoli didn’t wait long to decide that the University of New Hampshire was the right school for him to continue his football career. Many student-athletes drag out the process and wait to see every offer that comes their way, but Christian separated himself from the norm and made up his mind prior to his senior year at Notre Dame-West Haven. On Feb. 3, Christian, a quarterback, made it official by signing his National Letter of Intent to compete for New Hampshire, which is in the second tier of Division I that’s called the Football Championship Subdivision.
“From the beginning of my high school career, I saw others at my school go to New Hampshire and I knew it was a great school academically and athletic-wise. Told my coach I’d love to play at New Hampshire. They’re a great program in FBS and, when they gave me a call in the spring of my junior year to offer me a scholarship, I wanted to commit right there,” says Christian, who grew up in Branford and recently moved to East Haven. “My parents had me wait and I made a few visits to others schools like Villanova, Lafayette, and Boston College, but nobody gave me a feeling like New Hampshire, so I committed that spring and I’ve been committed ever since.”
Christian, who’s also played for Notre Dame’s hockey and golf squads, first stepped on the varsity gridiron as the Green Knights’ quarterback in his sophomore season.
“It was tough at first because I didn’t play the first five games of the year. [Head Coach Tom Marcucci] gave me a shot and it was awesome. It was a great learning experience,” Christian says. “Being able to play the second half of the year as a sophomore helped me out in the long run to help prepare me for my junior and senior years. I was more prepared for Friday night games.”
While growing up in Branford, Christian competed in the Hornets’ Youth Football program and played the quarterback position virtually from the get-go.
“My first year in 5th grade, they put me in running back for the first few weeks, but I didn’t like it. I begged the coach to play me at quarterback because it was my dream position,” says Christian. “He gave me a shot and, ever since that moment, that was the only position I’ve played.”
Christian piloted Notre Dame to the Class L Small Division state championship game as a junior. Then for his recent senior season, he was named one of the Green Knights’ captains.
“It’s always a great honor to be elected a captain and leader of team at Notre Dame. You take pride in being a captain. It’s important and an honor,” says Christian. “It was a great experience for me being able to walk out on the coin toss and lead the team when it’s most important. It was a goal of mine. To do it, it was best experience I could’ve had. I’m glad I was chosen as a leader and captain. It was one of best things about this year.”
Christian is the latest Notre Dame football player who will go to New Hampshire. Coach Marcucci feels confident that Christian is in a prime position to be a captain for the program just like his athlete’s predecessors.
“I think it’s a great fit for him. They run a spread offense, which is perfect for him. Since other ND kids went there, I think he feels very comfortable up there,” says Marcucci. “His visit was great and he committed in the spring. He cut off any other kind of recruiting. He knew where he wanted to go and it’s a great fit.”
When all was said and done for his three seasons as Notre Dame’s quarterback, Christian compiled a record of 23-13, threw for 4,545 yards with 39 touchdowns, and also ran for 1,789 yards with 16 TDs. Christian believes that his time at Notre Dame has effectively prepared him for life in the collegiate ranks at New Hampshire.
“I’ve had a couple family members go to ND and I can tell how much they loved it there. It’s a unique school, like a brotherhood, where the sports are great and everyone gets along,” says Christian, who will be a business major at New Hampshire. “I grew up going to Notre Dame athletic events and always wanted to play sports there. The best decision I’ve made was going to ND. It made me grow up into a man and taught me life lessons I’ll never forget. It made me the person I am today on the field, as well as in the classroom and in life. I can’t thank my parents enough and anybody who’s helped me along the way.”