The New York Jets have named Anthony Odita of Midwood High School in Brooklyn, NY the recipient of the New York Jets High School Coach of the Year award presented by Gatorade. Through Gatorade's partnership, the monetary award to benefit the school's football program has doubled to $4,000. Coach Odita will receive a Gatorade kit, containing a cooler, fuel bars, Gatorade powder mix, squeeze bottles and much more. Along with this award, Midwood High School receives an automatic bid to compete in the 2019 New York Jets 7on7 Tournament. In addition, he is invited to watch the New York Jets play the Green Bay Packers on December 23rd from a luxury suite at MetLife Stadium, where he will be presented with a certificate and an award ball.
In its 23rd year, the Coach of the Year award is given to a coach in the Tri-State 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.
Additionally, the Jets have nominated Coach Odita for the Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year award. Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year nominees demonstrate a commitment to the health and safety of their players, as well as the exemplary characteristics of Coach Don Shula. As the Jets nominee, Coach Odita will be invited down to the 2019 Pro Bowl in Orlando, FL, where the winner will be announced.
Odita attended Brooklyn Technical High School in Brooklyn, NY. While in high school, Odita did not play football. After graduating in 1997, Odita enrolled into Ithaca College where he played on the defensive line for two years. Odita graduated from Ithaca College in 2001 with a degree in economics before beginning his coaching career in 2002 at Midwood High School as a volunteer coach. In 2013, Odita was named head coach of the Midwood football program. In addition to his coaching duties, Odita serves as the Assistant Principal of Physical Education and Health for Midwood High School.
The Midwood Hornets finished the regular season at 8-1. The Midwood Hornets reached the PSAL Championship semi-final and fell to the Erasmus Hall Dutchmen 13-6. Midwood ended the season at 9-2.
Week 1: Chet Parlavecchio Jr. – New Providence High School – New Providence, NJ
Week 2: Greg Sirico – Warwick Valley High School – Warwick, NY
Week 3: Richard DeJesus – Brentwood High School – Brentwood, NY
Week 4: Augustine Tieri – Danbury High School – Danbury, CT
Week 5: Lou Grasso Jr. – Union High School – Union, NJ
Week 6: Phil Onesto – South Side High School – Rockville Centre, NY
Week 7: Matt Fulham – Edison High School – Edison, NJ
Week 8: Mike Scarpelli – Clarkstown South High School – West Nyack, NY
Week 9: Bobby Pattison – Newtown High School – Sandy Hook, CT
Week 10: Gary Cassio – South Plainfield High School – South Plainfield, NJ
