The New York Giants have selected Mr. David Roach of Pomperaug High School (Southbury, CT) as "The Lou Rettino High School Football Coach of the Week" presented by BP for the week of October 10, 2011. Coach Roach and the Panthers won Thursday's Conference game against the Newtown Nighthawks 16-9, scoring on both a 95 yard and a 65 yard interception return and a 47 yard field goal.
In recognition of Coach Roach's success and commitment, he will receive a certificate of recognition signed by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Giants Head Coach Tom Coughlin and a $1,000 check will be granted to the Panthers football program. Coach Roach will be acknowledged by a stadium announcement when the Giants host the Buffalo Bills on October 16th and 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 MetLife Stadium and practices at a Giants facility.
Each week during the 2011 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 2011 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 dinner hosted by the Giants and BP.
Coach Roach began his coaching career at Pomperaug High School in 2001 where he served as an assistant coach for the offensive line. He remained at that position for ten years until becoming Head Coach of the Varsity Football Team in 2011. The team is currently 4-0 under his leadership.
Coach Roach is a 1997 graduate of Pomperaug High School where he played on the Varsity Football Team for 3 years. He went on to play football at Western New England University in Springfield, MA where he was a 4 year starter and Captain on the offensive line. He graduated in 2001 with a degree in History and a minor in Spanish. He is currently a Social Studies teacher at Pomperaug High School.
Coach Roach would like to credit this award to his entire coaching staff for their countless time and energy. Also to their players for being good listeners and finding a way to win when their backs are against the wall. Lastly, to the Middlebury and Southbury communities for entrusting him with their sons. They will continue to work hard and strive to get better every day. "We play how we practice...so we practice hard."
