Charles Pastorino (1990) - Hall of Fame

Charles Pastorino

Induction:
1990
Class:
1942

Charlie Pastorino played football for Iowa State Teachers College from 1938-41. He came from New York City's James Monroe High School, where he earned tow letters and was an all-New York City pick as a senior.

Better known as the "Mighty Midget" because of his size (5-6, 156 pounds), he lettered each of his three years of varsity competition, making first team all-North Central Conference in 1941. During that season, he scored four touchdowns and one extra point for 25 points. He was also named Little All-American and made the Des Moines Register's all-conference team at both running back and safety.

In 1941, Pastorino left UNI, joined the army and fought in World War II. He returned to UNI in 1947 to complete his bachelor's degree in physical education. Upon graduation, he entered the coaching ranks, starting out at St. Mary's High School in Waterloo. He coached three sports, excelling in each. He began coaching basketball in the middle of the season, finishing the year 0-20. However, his mark there improved to 103-89 overall, including finishing 17-7 in 1947. The St. Mary's baseball team fared just as well, compiling a 61-42 mark during Pastorino's tenure, and never had a losing season. His 1955 squad defeated East Waterloo in the sectional finals.

In football, his overall record was 40-18-2 with only one losing season, his first. Pastorino left St. Mary's in 1955 heading to Tama High School (now North Tama). He coached football, wrestling and track there. In football, his teams compiled a 63-37-6 record and were South Iowa Cedar Conference champs five straight years. He retired from coaching duties in 1967. Pastorino was inducted into the Iowa Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1971. His career record was 103-55-8.