Oct 27, 2002 By Ed Kolencik 3 min read

Brownsville coach Don Bartolomucci ends 37-year coaching career CHARLEROI – Brownsville coach Don Bartolomucci walked the sidelines as a coach in the WPIAL for 37 years, eight as head coach for the Falcons.

A tough 14-7 loss to Charleroi Friday night marked the end of Bartolomucci’s coaching career, as Brownsville finished its season 1-4 in the Interstate Conference and 2-7 overall.

A member of the Pennsylvania Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame, Bartolomucci, 65, has been a head coach for 21 years.

A week ago, Bartolomucci was suspended during an executive session of the school board, which is not allowed in a closed session.

He said the suspension followed a confrontation with a parent.

He learned Thursday that he would be permitted to coach Friday after being forbidden to coach the previous week against Elizabeth-Forward.

“It’s a little disappointing to finish 2-7, but I have no regrets whatsoever,” Bartolomucci said. “It was tough to go out this way.”

The Falcons battled back late in the game, but still fell short to host Charleroi (5-4, 2-4). The game resembled a playoff atmosphere as both teams, already knocked out of the playoffs, battled to end their seasons on a high note.

Brownsville wanted the win to provide Bartolomucci with a fitting sendoff, while Charleroi was trying to finish with a winning record.

“Our primary goal was that we wanted to finish the conference with a little pride,” said Charleroi coach Jim Dumm. “It was a great way to finish the season and the way both teams played showed true class.”

Charleroi senior Mario Tarquinio led the attack with 127 yards on 32 carries and a touchdown, and also went over 1,000 yards this season.

“He took care of the ball extremely well all night long tonight,” said Dumm. “When things like that happen, it’s not only a credit to Mario, but our football team.”

Charleroi controlled the game statistically with 204 total yards of offense to Brownsville’s 62.

The Cougars had an opportunity to score with just six seconds left in the first half on a 20-yard field goal, but Brownsville blocked the kick and Mike Stanley recovered as time expired. Stanley also had an interception in the first quarter.

Charleroi’s first score came on a 10-yard run from senior Dave Wachinski at the 10:54 mark of the third quarter. Tarquinio’s touchdown came on a 12-yard run with 5:26 remaining later in the third to give Charleroi a 14-0 lead.

Brownsville senior Dougie Patterson, who remained relatively quiet on offense for Brownsville through three quarters, came through in the clutch when he returned the ensuing kickoff 82 yards for a touchdown.

Brownsville regained control of the ball on the Charleroi 20-yard line with 1:35 left in regulation when Stanley again came up big on defense with a blocked punt. Brownsville’s hopes to tie the game came to an abrupt end when sophomore Dominic Scorza picked off a Brian Gates’ pass.

“We just couldn’t get any field position, especially in the third quarter,” Bartolomucci said.

Besides its final possession after the blocked punt, Brownsville failed to enter Charleroi territory in the second half.

“Our kids never quit. We blocked a punt and we had our shots,” Bartolomucci said. “I’m very proud of the way they played.”