The New York Jets announced today that Mike O'Donnell of Stepinac High School in White Plains, N.Y., has been named this week's recipient of the New York Jets High School Coach of the Week Award. For his efforts, O'Donnell will receive $1,000 to benefit the school's football program, and he will be presented with a certificate from the Jets.
In its 12th year, this award is given to a coach in the tristate area who serves the best interests of the game through the teaching of sound football fundamentals, the motivation of young players to achieve, and the promotion of youth football by way of dedication to their community, school and student-athletes.
O'Donnell is in his 19th season as head coach of the Crusaders. He has directed his teams to Catholic High School Football League division championships in 1993, '95 and '97 and won the CHSFL AA championship in 1995. O'Donnell also mentored former Jets defensive end Eric Ogbogu, who graduated from Stepinac in 1994.
O'Donnell is in his second year as the athletic director at Stepinac High School. Last Saturday the Crusaders defeated the previously unbeaten Fordham Prep Rams, 29–14, to give him his 100th victory and create a four-way tie for first place in the AA division. This Saturday Stepinac will face the Kellenberg Memorial Firebirds at 1:30 p.m.