Tony Molinari
Tony Molinari turned an outstanding high school football career into a long and successful career in coaching.
Molinari played football in Sharon from grades 7 through 12. He was a three-year varsity starter and letterman. He was co-captain of the 1959 Tigers squad and named to the Mercer County All-Star team in 1960. He was honored on the Farrell Press (Al Wolgast) All-Star team in both 1958 and ’59.
He played for the West Penn All-Stars vs. the Allegheny County All-Stars in 1960. He was all-state honorable mention in 1959 and was named to the WPIAL All-Midwest Conference First Team at tackle.
He played one year of football as a freshman at Purdue University. He transferred and graduated from Youngstown State University in 1965. He did post graduate work at Kent State.
He went on to an outstanding career as an assistant coach for 44 years at Niles McKinley, Warren JFK, Brookfield, Sharon and Farrell. He also served as a track coach for three seasons and authored the book: “Pads of Glory” about 100 years of Sharon High football.
He has served as president and treasurer of the West Penn Football Coaches Association for 20 years and game site manager for the association’s annual All-Star Football Classic. Through the Classic he helped honor numerous local coaches and provide scholarships from many young football players.
Molinari also served as chairman and treasurer for the Sharon Parks and Recreation Board and program director for six years. He served for 25 years as playground instructor, sports director and arts and craft director.