Coach David Curtin of Columbia High School in Maplewood, N.J.
The New York Jets have announced that David Curtin of Columbia High School in Maplewood, N.J., has been named this week's recipient of the New York Jets High School Coach of the Week Award. For his efforts, Curtin will receive $1,000 to benefit his school's football program, and he will be presented with a certificate from the New York Jets.
In its 14th year, the 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, their school and their student-athletes.
Curtin is in his 25th season coaching football and his second as head coach of the Cougars. He previously coached the offensive and defensive lines for his alma mater, the David Brearley Bears, during their state championship seasons in 1985, '86 and '91. He later became a head coach at Wardlaw-Hartridge, leading the school to two Prep B state championship titles in 1994 and '95. Curtin holds a master's in high school administration from St. Peter's College and is currently the director of athletics and activities.
On Friday night, the Cougars defeated the Kearney Kardinals, 41-0, to start the season 1-0. This marks the second straight victory for Columbia, which won its final game of 2008 against Dickinson to snap a 45-game losing streak. Columbia hadn't won two consecutive games since 2002. The Cougars will travel to face the Lancers of Livingston High School today for a 7 p.m. kickoff.
