The New York Giants name Cardinal Hayes' CJ O'Neil 2016 Coach of the Year:
East Rutherford, NJ – The New York Giants have selected Mr. CJ O'Neil of Cardinal Hayes High School (Bronx, NY) as "The 2016 Lou Rettino High School Football Coach of the Year." Hayes won their first CHSFL 'AAA' championship by beating the two-time defending champions Archbishop Stepinac, 41-39 by stopping a two-point conversion in the final seconds. Cardinal Hayes started the season 0-3, and despite losing several key players to injuries, turned their season around to make the playoffs. They defeated St. Peter's, St. Anthony's and Archbishop Stepinac to win the championship.
In recognition of Coach O'Neil's success and commitment, he will receive a certificate of recognition signed by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Giants Head Coach Ben McAdoo and a $2,000 check will be granted to the school's football program. Coach O'Neil's honor was acknowledged with an in-stadium announcement when the Giants hosted the Detroit Lions on December 18th. Coach O'Neil and the ten 2016 Coach of the Week honorees will also be invited to attend a dinner hosted by the Giants at their practice facility in the Spring.
The Lou Rettino High School Football Coach of the Week Award is part of the Giants' continuing effort to support local youth 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 continuing commitment towards promoting youth football, developing motivated student-athletes and his overall community involvement. At the conclusion of the season, the Giants choose a Coach of the Year. That coach receives $2,000 for their school's football program.
Charles Joseph O'Neil was named Head Football Coach of Cardinal Hayes High School in 2004 and is responsible for building the Cardinals Football program from the lowest level of play in New York State, to the "AAA" level, which is the highest level of competition. He has compiled an impressive win-loss record of 87-70 over the 13-year period. Known as "CJ" by his former players and colleagues, he has guided over 100 young men to collegiate football programs throughout the Northeast region.
Dennis O'Donnell, Cardinal Hayes Athletic Director commented, "CJ brings a high-energy passion for the game of football and a persistent focus on individual player development. Each year he strives to elevate our football program, while mindfully striking a balance with each student's academic and social growth."
Since his appointment as Head Coach, CJ has guided the team to 6 Championship appearances, winning 4 of these competitions. He was recognized by the New York Daily News as the Bronx High School Football Coach of the Year for the 2013 and 2016 season after winning the "AA" and "AAA" Championships respectively. After the 2015 campaign CJ was also named The National Football Foundations NYC Coach of the year.
Coach O'Neil earned a B.S. degree in psychology and a M.S. degree in Physical Education from Hofstra University. He played center and defensive end for the Hofstra Pride from 1990 to 1993. He lives in East Fishkill, New York with his son Ryan.
2016 Lou Rettino High School Football Coach of the Week Honorees
Week 1: Ed Kopp – Pequannock High School, Pompton Plains, NJ
Week 2: Brian Logan - Weequahic High School, Newark, NJ
Week 3: Charles Yarbrough - Springfield Gardens High school, Queens, NY
Week 4: Dino Mangiero, Mater Dei Prep, Middletown, NJ
Week 5: Tommy Curry Jr., Park Ridge High School, Park Ridge, NJ
Week 6: Dominick Tassone, Kennedy Catholic, Somers, NY
Week 7: Peter Gambardella, Curtis High School, Staten Island, NY
Week 8: Bill Bianco, Newburgh Free Academy, Newburgh, NY
Week 9: James Williams, Abraham Clark High School, Roselle, NJ
Week 10: Kyle Madden, Half Hollow Hills High School West, Dix Hills, NY
2016 Coach of the Year: C.J. O'Neil, Cardinal Hayes High School, Bronx, NY
