EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - The New York Giants have selected Mr. Shawn O'Connor of Lincoln High School (Brooklyn, NY) as "The Lou Rettino High School Football Coach of the Week" presented by BP for the week of November 8, 2010. Coach O'Connor has been successful this season so far, as the Railsplitters are currently undefeated.
In recognition of Coach O'Connor's success and commitment, he will receive a certificate of recognition signed by the NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and the Giants Head Coach Tom Coughlin. A $1,000 check will be granted to the Railsplitters football program. Coach O'Connor will be acknowledged by a stadium announcement when the Giants host the Dallas Cowboys on November 14th. An announcement will also be posted on the Giants web site, **www.giants.com**.
The Lou Rettino High School Football Coach of the Week Award presented by BP, is part of the Giants' continuing effort to promote youth football. The Giants elected to name the award in memory of former Union High School (NJ) coach, Lou Rettino, for his fine commitment to the game of football, his community and the betterment of his athletes' lives.
The Coach of the Week program is supported by BP, a proud sponsor of the Giants. This year, BP is expanding its New York area football sponsorship beyond the stadium to support local youth football leagues, coaches and parents. In addition, BP is also making equipment donations to leagues in need and providing opportunities for youths to participate in unique Giants-related experiences including hospitality suite access at the New Meadowlands Stadium and practices at a Giants facility.
Each week during the 2010 high school football season, the Giants will select one area high school head coach as the Coach of the Week winner. The selection is based on the coach's continuing commitment towards promoting youth football, developing motivated student-athletes and his overall community involvement. At the conclusion of the 2010 season, the Giants will choose a Coach of the Year. That coach will receive $2,000 for their school's football program. They will also be invited to attend a luncheon hosted by the Giants and BP.
Coach O'Connor has been coaching football for 21 years total. He has been at Lincoln High School since 1996, but didn't start as the Head Coach until 2000. Since he has been a coach at Lincoln, the Railsplitters have made the playoffs 7 times.
Coach O'Connor has had the honor of coaching some amazing athletes, three of which were United States Army All-Americans. In addition, he has coached six Division 1 athletes, four Division 1AA athletes and seven Division 2 athletes.
