Coach David Curtin of Columbia High School in Maplewood, N.J.
The New York Jets have announced that Peter Gambardella of Curtis High School on Staten Island, N.Y., has been named the New York Jets High School Coach of the Year. For his efforts, he will receive $2,000 to benefit the school's football program, and he will be presented with a certificate from the New York Jets.
This award, in its 14th year, 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, their school and their student-athletes.
Gambardella is in his second season as the head coach of the Warriors. He previously served as the assistant head coach of the team for 11 seasons. The proud Curtis alumnus was an all-city wide receiver and safety at the school during his senior season and played linebacker for three seasons at Boston University. He served as a graduate assistant at BU for two seasons, earning his master's of science in physical education. Gambardella is in his seventh year as assistant principal at Curtis High School.
On Nov. 28, the Curtis Warriors defeated the Tottenville Pirates, 16-10, to become the 2009 Public Schools Athletic League champions. With this victory, Gambardella has been part of all the Warriors' title teams (previously 1988 as a player and 1999, 2002 and 2007 as a coach).
