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. Marcus Gurdineer of Warren Hills Regional High School (Washington, NJ) as the Lou Rettino High School Coach of the Week for Week 2 of the 2023 season. Coach Gurdineer's Blue Streaks are off to an impressive start to the 2023 season with consecutive road wins against 2022 playoff teams. They defeated Vernon in their first game by a score of 21-14, followed by a 42-14 victory over a Newton Braves team that hasn't lost a regular season game since September 13, 2019. Warren Hills hopes to build on their own 5-5 2022 season that included a 28-21 playoff road win at Montville before losing in the second round 49-15 at West Morris.
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 Gurdineer's selection as Coach of the Week, a $2,000 check will be granted to the school's flag 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.
Coach Gurdineer entered his 4th season as head coach at Warren Hills with a 14-13 career record, and a lot of excitement with this senior class being his first group of students who have been in his system from their first day in the program. He is also a Special Education & English teacher in the district, as well as a loving husband and father of two little girls.
Prior to coaching at Warren Hills, Gurdineer was an assistant coach at rival Hackettstown. Gurdineer graduated from Minisink Valley (N.Y.) High School, where he played on the offensive and defensive lines and wrestled. He played guard at Division III Utica under head coach Blaise Faggiano, who also invited him to serve as a graduate assistant on the football staff while studying for a master's degree. Gurdineer then served as Utica's offensive line coach and then associate head coach, with responsibilities including recruiting and academic coordinator.
"Every year, it's the same goal, and we're not an exception – to win a state championship," Gurdineer said. "If you're not shooting for that, what are you doing? We try and win at everything we do – it gives us the best shot to win and makes your team go in the game. Let the cards fall where they may – we want to go out and be the best version of what we are and go 1-0 every week."
