Deunger set as Charleroi football coach

By Bill Hughes

For the observer reporter

newsroom@observer-reporter.com

Charleroi hired one of his own Tuesday evening to take over the Cougars football program.

Scott “Scooter” Deunger, graduate in 1997 and an outstanding athlete of the Cougars, was unanimously stopped as head coach at the Charleroi School Board session, and he is happy to take on a program that means so much.

“When I am a Charleroi type all my life, it begins with the community,” he said. “I grew up here and proudly have it.”

Deunger replaces Tyler Aeschbaher, who stepped down after two seasons to become an assistant to Robert Morris University.

When asked what he would like to bring to the program, the former outstanding football, basketball and baseball player began his answer with a word.

“Stability,” he said. “We have six coaches in 10 years.”

The sports director of Charleroi, Bruno Pappasergi, is encouraged by what he heard from Deunger.

“It is always nice to see how a local child comes back and speaks as he spoke (during the interview process),” said Pappasergi. “He was very articulated, very positive about the direction in which he would like to take the program and complement the trainers before him.

“He will continue to lay the foundation that (the previous trainers) are laid.”

There were 13 applicants and Deunner was a unanimous selection.

“He was the best candidate and I think Scott will do a good job with our children,” said Pappasergi. “He was busy with the children and the midget League for a long time.

“He is busy with many sports, has a good pulse about what is going on at school, and it's always nice to have someone who is locally.

Deunger has an advantage because he knows all Charleroi players.

“I came through the youth program and in the middle school,” he said. “I know the children.”

Pappasergi spoke about deerer's lack of experience with university coaching.

“The only stumbling block is that he has to learn to be a university trainer,” said Pappasergi. “I have all the confidence in the world, and he will do a great job, go from a middle school trainer and turn into a great university coach.”

Deunner has already put together his coaching staff, and this is a big key, as the Cougars are behind other teams for a few months in relation to a low season.

“We will jump in directly,” he said. “I already have my employees together.

According to Deunner, a big key is that far too many Charleroi children no longer play from dwarfs to the high school.

“How can we close the gap?” he considered. “We lose the children from dwarfs to middle school to high school.

When asked what it means to take over his Alma Mater, Deunger took a deep breath before answering.

“I could continue about it for days,” he said. “It is difficult to answer.

“I feel really honored.”