Thiel College Athletics

A native of Sharon, Pa. and a Sharon High School graduate, Donato was a three-time All-PAC First Team honoree at linebacker from 1966-68. He was also a two-time All-District pick (1967, 1968) and a two-time First Team All-Lutheran All-American (1967, 1968). Donato was also a Small College All-American in 1968. He led the Tomcats in tackles from 1966-68. In 1967, he recorded 83 tackles, 14 of which were for a loss of yards, and intercepted a pass. He tallied six career interceptions.
 
A member of the PAC 60th anniversary team, Donato helped the Tomcats win the PAC title in 1967. Donato went on to play independent semi-pro football with the Shenango Valley Blasters for three years after his collegiate career at Thiel College. He was inducted into the Mercer County Hall of Fame in 2012.
 
Donato coached high school football in the district for more than 20 years. He was the head football coach at Kennedy Catholic from 2003-06 and served as an assistant at Sharon High School, his alma mater, for nearly 20 years. Donato has served Thiel as an assistant football coach the last two seasons.