The New York Giants have selected Mr. Rich Ward of Marlboro Central High School (Marlboro, NY) as "The Lou Rettino High School Football Coach of the Week" presented by BP for the week of November 7, 2011. The Iron Dukes were 0-8 in Section 9 championship games until this past weekend when they won the title for the first time, defeating Spackenkill 14-7.
In recognition of Coach Ward'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 Iron Dukes football program. Coach Ward will be acknowledged by a stadium announcement when the Giants host the Philadelphia Eagles on November 20th 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 continuing its support of local youth football leagues, coaches and parents in the New York metropolitan area. In addition, BP is also making equipment donations to leagues in need and providing an opportunity for youth players to participate in a unique practice 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 Ward began his coaching career as the ARMY Sprint Football LB Coach and Special Teams Coordinator from 1992-2001. In 2005, he moved up to the Offensive Coordinator Position and then from 2007-2009, he became the Defensive Coordinator. In 2006, Coach Ward took a position as the Defensive Coordinator at Cornwall Central High School where the team was New York State Finalists. He became the Head Coach of Marlboro Central High School in 2010, leading the team to the League Championships and winning the Section 9 Title in 2011.
Coach Ward attended Marlboro Central High School from 1981-1984 where he played linebacker on the football team. He went on to play at SUNY Cortland from 1985-1987 where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Education. He received his Masters in Educational Administration from SUNY New Paltz shortly after. Coach Ward currently lives in Marlboro, NY with his wife Kimberly and their 7 year-old son Jake. He is a Physical Education teacher at Cornwall Central School District and has been since 1990.Join other diehard Giants Fans! Follow @Giants
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