The Giants Foundation and Gatorade to contribute $2,000 to the football program.
East Rutherford, NJ – The New York Giants and Gatorade have selected Mr. Alex Vega of John F. Kennedy High School (Bronx, NY) as the Lou Rettino High School Coach of the Week for Week 5 of the 2023 season. The Kennedy Knights are 4-0 to start the 2023 season after defeating a 2-0 New Utrecht Utes 32-28 on the road. The Knights have already exceeded last year's win total of 3 wins and 4 losses, and have outscored their four opponents 110-59. They look to continue their undefeated season on Saturday against the Canarsie Chiefs.
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 selected 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 contributing overall to their community.
In recognition of Coach Vega'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. He 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 2024 pre-season home game.
A native of the Bronx, and a Class of 1996 alumnus of Kennedy High School, Vega has an impressive 56-34 record as head coach of the Knights since 2006. After graduating from Cornell University, Vega returned home to follow his passions of teaching and coaching football. Pairing education with sports is a staple at Kennedy as the football team has a 100% graduation rate. Even more impressive is the team's 92% college enrollment rate, with 60% of the student athletes playing collegiate sports. Coach Vega looks to continue Kennedy's excellence on and off the field in the years ahead.
