East Rutherford, NJ – The New York Giants and Gatorade have selected Mr. Dan Wendel of Monmouth Regional High School (Tinton Falls, NJ) as the Lou Rettino High School Coach of the Week for Week 7 of the 2026 season. The undefeated Falcons went on the road and defeated previously unbeaten Barnegat, 35-17. After trailing behind 10 points just five minutes into the first quarter, Monmouth's defense sparked a dramatic turnaround, helping the Falcons gain momentum and clinch a tie for their first division championship since 2012. The victory improved Monmouth to 7-0 for the first time in the school's 65-year history, a remarkable turnaround for a program that finished 1-9 only two seasons ago.
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 continuing commitment towards promoting high school football, developing motivated student-athletes and contributing overall to their community.
In recognition of Coach Wendel's selection as Coach of the Week, a $2,000 grant from The Giants Foundation and Gatorade will be presented to the school's football program. He will also receive a certificate of recognition, signed by Giants Head Coach John Harbaugh, and will be honored at a postseason dinner and at a 2027 preseason home game.
Dan Wendel has built Monmouth Regional High School into one of the Shore Conference's more competitive programs during his tenure as head coach. Since taking over the Falcons in 2019, Wendel has guided Monmouth Regional to multiple state playoff appearances, including a 7-4 season in 2021 and a 6-4 season in 2023. His program has undergone a remarkable turnaround, improving from a 1-9 record in 2024 to 5-5 in 2025 and now an undefeated 7-0 start in 2026 that has the Falcons in contention for a divisional championship.
"I would like to thank the New York Giants for this honor," said Wendel. "I would also like to thank my family, coaches, players and the Monmouth Regional Community. Without them none of this would be possible."
