Remembering New Castle football legend Lindy Lauro

NEW CASTLE, Pa.- Generations of high school football fans are joining family and friends of Lindoro "Lindy" Lauro in remembering the legendary football coach who passed away this week.  He was born in New Castle on June 23, 1921.

Lauro was a New Castle High football coaching legend.  He added so much to the tradition of excellence for New Castle High School's football program where his name is linked to the playing field.  He retired in 1992, but returned to Taggart Stadium frequently over the next 9 years to visit, consult and cheer on coaches and players. He was also one of the most successful individuals associated with high school football in Pennsylvania history. In a 2010 interview with WCN's Adam Plyler, Lauro credited his success to his faith.

"I thank God and always stayed close to God," Linduro said. "Before every game I always stopped at the church for about three or four minutes.  I never asked God to win, but I asked God to let me do my best."

He died Thursday night at the age of 90 with family and friends by his side at a New Castle assisted living facility.  Family say the 90-year old football icon battled medical problems for years. 

WCN alumnus Adam Plyler produced a short-format documentary about Coach Lauro.  It features an extended interview with the New Castle icon.  You can watch it here.  He talks about his life and coaching career and reflects on being revered as one of the greatest high school coaches in state history.

 Lauro's coaching legacy grew from his success as a player on the football field.  The history books always point to how Lauro threw the winning touchdown pass that defeated Massillon in 1937.  He went on to play at Pitt and then for the Chicago Cardinal. He returned to New Castle and headed up the Red Hurricane football program.  Lauro's teams went undefeated six years and won three WPIAL championships, while compiling a 220-104 record. When he won his 200th game in 1987, New Castle became the only school in the country to claim two coaches with 200 or more victories. In addition, in 1987, with 605 victories, New Castle became the third winningest high school team in the nation.

You can also listen to an interview with the documentary producer, Adam Plyler.