Garden City Trojans Continue Their Winning Streak
The Garden City Trojans are creating quite the legacy this season. They’ve claimed their 10th consecutive title in Nassau County and their fifth straight Long Island Championship, all while boasting a remarkable 54-game winning streak.
“Winning can’t be dull,” said head coach Ettinger, who heads the team with an impressive 109-3 record, during practice as they prepared for their season opener against Long Beach.
“There’s a lot of pressure on the players because of the team’s history, but they give everything they have throughout the season,” he added, likening himself to a Long Island version of Nick Saban.
Success, as it turns out, is more about daily effort than resting on past glories. Players echo this sentiment, emphasizing the hard work required to achieve greatness.
“We go into every game without a winning expectation,” shared Zach Olson, a senior left guard set to join Harvard’s football program. “We focus on keeping our energy high; that’s our biggest asset,” noted Olson, who has been part of the varsity team since ninth grade.
The Commitment Off the Field
The team shows their commitment not just on the field. They dedicate summer days to a football camp in Connecticut and gather for team dinners at least twice a week during the season. It’s a way to unwind from the high expectations set by earlier teams.
“We really give it our all, working hard every day,” remarked senior Merritrack, who plays several positions on a nearly 50-player roster.
ETtinger’s leadership over 11 seasons exemplifies the hustle and drive of the program. “He demands excellence. He’ll call us out if we’re not performing,” added a senior headed to Tampa University for lacrosse. “He can get loud, but we know what he expects from us.”
For players like Christopher Deciderio, an all-state kicker, the pressure to excel is self-imposed. “I missed a couple of kicks last year, so my goal this season is to be perfect,” he shared, noting he successfully kicked about 60 through the uprights.
Reflecting on their victories, Deciderio said, “As a kid, you watched them win championships. Now, all you want is to experience that for yourself. You work hard for it.”
Ettinger appreciates the team, stating, “Preparation is key. It’s all about focusing on the details… and we have smart kids.” He believes in their system, which has proven effective.
Lessons in Losses
Despite their success, Ettinger recalls the team’s three losses over the past decade—each serving as valuable lessons. “Nobody enjoys losing,” he admitted, but he understands that losses often teach more than victories.
As Olson pointed out, he isn’t approaching the 2025 season as just another year. “We faced a tougher challenge this time,” he said, acknowledging that they are up against a mix of familiar and unfamiliar opponents. Ettinger identified Long Beach as a particularly tough competitor.
The Trojan mindset isn’t about dreaming of November glory too soon; rather, it’s about focusing week by week on what lies ahead.
“Our main concern right now is Long Beach this Saturday,” Ettinger confirmed. “We’re preparing as diligently as possible to send our seniors out as champions.”
