East Rutherford, NJ – The New York Giants and Gatorade have selected Mr. Steve Dunn of Rutherford High School (Rutherford, NJ) as the Lou Rettino High School Coach of the Week for Week 4 of the 2022 season. On Friday, the Rutherford Bulldogs defeated Garfield High School, 40-15, to clinch their fourth win and retain an undefeated record. This upcoming Friday, the Bulldogs will face Glen Rock High School to conclude their regular season.

The Lou Rettino High School Football Coach of the Week Award is part of the Giants' continuing effort to support local high school football programs. 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. Each week during the high school football season, the Giants select one area high school head coach as the Coach of the Week winner. The selection is based on the coach's continued commitment towards promoting youth football, developing motivated student-athletes and contributing overall to their community.   

In recognition of Coach Dunn's selection as Coach of the Week, a $2,000 check will be granted to the school's football program from The Giants Foundation and Gatorade. Dunn will also receive a certificate of recognition signed by Giants head coach Brian Daboll and will be honored at a dinner following the season, as well as a 2023 pre-season home game.

Coach Dunn is in his third year as head coach of the football program, which has outscored their opponents, 156-46, so far this year. Throughout his tenure as head coach, Dunn's team boasts a 16-5 record overall. Notably, the Bulldogs collected nine straight wins in 2021, amassing a 9-2 season record and going on to win the NJIC championship game over Park Ridge. The Bulldogs continued their momentum this year with a season-opening win over Becton High School (East Rutherford, NJ) in the teams' first matchup since 2016. Dunn relishes similar athletic success as the boys and girls head swimming coach. His team is the proud recipient of a 2021 NJIC Conference title, and numerous swimmers advanced to the NJSIAA championship. Dunn's leadership excels in the classroom too; he has served as a math teacher in the district since 2007.

Steve Dunn is an integral part of the school community, and his coaching philosophy inspires students and athletes to strive for success each and every day. David Frazier – Director of Athletics, Health & PE — described Dunn's admirable qualities. "Coach Dunn is a great example of the type of coach that embodies our Bulldog spirit. He coaches with character, cares about his players and our program, holds his athletes to a high standard and those expectations have them achieve at a higher level than they would otherwise achieve." Dunn recognizes the tremendous impact of youth sports, too. "I am honored to teach and coach in the community where I grew up and attempt to have a positive impact on kids the way my mentors did for me," Dunn said. "An award like this is a celebration of everyone around me…But the main piece of our success in this program has been our players. These young men allow us to coach them hard, and we hold them to a high standard. It is our belief that the lessons learned on the football field will guide them through all the years of their lives," he concluded.