NEW CASTLE —
New Castle High School head football coach Frank Bongivengo Jr. has resigned, effective immediately.
The city school board last night unanimously accepted Bongivengo’s letter of resignation as football coach and weight lifting supervisor.
He will retain his position as a social studies teacher in the district.
Bongivengo and his wife, Karen, both of 114 E. Euclid Ave., are facing theft, conspiracy and forgery charges stemming from alleged misappropriations of $3,618 from a youth football program. That program teaches fundamentals of the game to children in grades three through six. Charges were filed following a 17-month investigation by Pennsylvania state police that looked at transactions between the football program account and the couple’s personal bank account.
Last night, board member Mark Kirkwood said he accepted the resignation “with regret.”
“He was a fine coach,” Kirkwood said of Bongivengo. “In the six years he was here, he helped 35 of his players go on to college.”
Board member Karen Humphrey also thanked Bongivengo for his services.
In a prepared statement presented after the meeting, superintendent George Gabriel said, “Frank Bongivengo served as New Castle High School head football coach from 2005-2011 and performed his duties well. His overall record was 39-32, with winning records in each of the past five seasons and three play-off appearances.
“He voluntarily resigned as head football coach this evening for personal reasons which he said would affect his ability to perform as football coach.”
Gabriel said the district will begin immediately the process to fill the position, advertising in the Pittsburgh, Ohio and Sharon areas. However, before outside advertisements are placed, Gabriel said, the vacancy will be posted in house to notify current staff of the vacancy and provide them the opportunity to apply for the coaching and supervisory posts.
“We want to get under way with applications and interviews as soon as possible,” Gabriel noted.
He said he will be meeting with the athletic committee to firm up dates.
Gabriel would not provide a copy of Bongivengo’s letter last night, saying he was following advice provided by solicitor Charles Sapienza.
He accepted a written request submitted under the state’s Right to Know Law. The law allows five days to respond.
(Email: nlowry@ncnewsonline.com)
New Castle
Related Photos
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Frank Bongivengo Jr.: He leaves New Castle sideline with an overall record of 39-32 with three playoff appearances.
Discussion
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