WEST ORANGE, NJ - West Orange High School senior Jay Strayker and freshman Jaylen Singleton of Irvington High School were recognized as nominees for the Steve DiGregorio Young Man of the Year Award 2022-23 prior to the start of the West Orange v. Irvington football game, held in Suriano Stadium on Oct. 21. The award is sponsored by the Super Football Conference and the New York Jets.
One football player from each high school in the SFC is selected by the athletic director, coaches, and staff and recognized with a plaque towards the end of the season. The award is named for Steve DiGregorio, "a beloved coach and leader" who inspired generations of student-athletes. DiGregorio was named NJ.com’s State Coach of the Year in 2020, and led Nutley to an undefeated season during the pandemic while battling pancreatic cancer. His coaching career spanned four decades at multiple high schools and colleges. He passed away in October, 2021.
According to the SFC website,
"The award is NOT performance-based. We would like you to nominate a player who excels in the areas of:
- Community service
- Selflessness before selfishness
- Creating a positive school/team environment
- Leadership on and off the field
- Setting a positive example for teammates and peers
- Good academic standing (however, this is not a scholar-athlete award. A recipient must be academically eligible and in good academic standing with the school)"
Nominees from all schools will be recognized at a future NY Jets game and will be invited to a banquet later in the year. Selection of the Steve DiGregorio Young Man of the Year will be made by a special committee and announced sometime in January, 2023.
Read more about Steve DiGregorio and the award HERE.
WOHS Jay Strayker, family, and WOHS Head Coach Darnell Grant (right)
Freshman Jaylen Singleton of Irvington with coaches
