The New York Jets have announced that Greg Gruzdis of the Waldwick/Midland Park (NJ) football team has been named this week's recipient of the New York Jets High School Coach of the Week award. For his efforts, Gruzdis will receive $1,000 to benefit the school's football program, and he will be presented with a certificate from the Jets.
The award, in its 18th 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.
Gruzdis is in his fourth season as head coach of the Warriors. During this time he has led the team to back-to-back appearances in the playoffs. He served as defensive backs/running backs coach on the 2001 West Morris High School football state sectional championship team. Greg was a defensive back and punt returner for Ramapo College before transferring to William Paterson to get a degree in physical education. He is a physical education and health teacher at East Hanover Middle School.
On Friday, Waldwick/Midland Park defeated the Glen Rock Panthers, 48-0, in a North I, Group 2 quarterfinal playoff game. This was Waldwick's first postseason victory since it captured the North I, Group 1 title in 1988, and it was the first playoff celebration for players from Midland Park. The Warriors advance to the semifinals, going on the road to face the North Warren Patriots on Friday at 7 p.m.
