The New York Giants and Gatorade have selected Mr. Kevin Hennelly of West Morris Central High School (Chester Township, NJ) as the Lou Rettino High School Coach of the Week for Week 7 of the 2022 season. On Friday, the West Morris Central Wolfpack defeated their previous unbeaten division opponent Randolph, 34-19, to continue their notably undefeated season. The victory marked a thirteenth consecutive win for West Morris, the reigning North Group 3 champion. West Morris will pursue a second straight division title when they face Morristown High School on the road this Saturday.
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 Hennelly’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. Hennelly 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 Hennelly joined West Morris’ football program in 1991 as an assistant under Coach Pete Piccirillo, a New Jersey Football Hall of Fame inductee. In Hennelly’s six years under Piccirillo, the program captured two state titles and two conference championships. Hennelly stepped into his current role in 1997; in his 25 seasons leading the team, he boasts a 185-94 program record and 22 playoff appearances. Furthermore, Hennelly’s program has amassed 5 state championships and one regional championship. Coach Hennelly’s leadership has garnered additional recognition in the community. He’s been named Coach of the Year by the Daily Record, Star Ledger, Bigtime Magazine, NJSCA and twice the Morris County Football Association.
Outside of his impressive coaching repertoire, Hennelly has also taught in the district for 31 years. Hennelly graduated from the McBurney School (New York, NY) and then matriculated at East Stroudsburg University; he played linebacker in college, lettering in 1982 and 1983. His familiarity with the community and the sport has led to success both on and off the field. West Morris’ defensive unit most recently held a previously undefeated Randolph to just 19 points – half of what Randolph previously averaged per game.
In Hennelly’s 31 seasons, he has cultivated relationships and earned the respect of many in the West Morris football community. Most importantly, he’s impacted the lives of numerous student-athletes. “It is truly an honor to be awarded coach of the week by the New York Giants organization,” Hennelly shared. He continued, expressing an appreciation for those around him: “Fortunately, I have a tremendous staff and hardworking players that make it all possible. Last week’s game versus undefeated Randolph High School was a great game for Morris County Football and was a great win for our team and school community.”
The above story is from the New York Giants
2022 New York Giants Coach of the Week Winners
Week 6 – Jay Ciraco, Harrison HS (New York)
Week 5 – Mike Arakelian, Hackettstown HS (New Jersey)
Week 4 – Steve Dunn, Rutherford HS (New Jersey)
Week 3 – Michael Ware, Albany HS (New York)
Week 2- Matt Cunningham, Brewster HS (New York)
Week 1 – Vaughn Labor, Binghamton HS (New York)
