Media Contacts:
Anna Turnage, College of Education, 919/755-1677

Oct. 31, 2003

Amato Named NC State College of Education’s Distinguished Alumnus

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Chuck Amato

North Carolina State University’s College of Education has named NC State head football coach Chuck Amato as its 2003 Distinguished Alumnus.

A native of Easton, Pa., Amato earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematics education in 1969 and his master’s degree in education in 1973. He was a three-year letterwinner in football and wrestling for the Wolfpack. He played on the 1965 football squad that earned an ACC co-championship and posted two undefeated seasons as a wrestler, earning ACC titles in 1966 and 1968.

After graduating, Amato spent two years as an assistant coach at his prep alma mater, Easton Area High School. From 1971 to 1979 he served as an assistant with the Wolfpack, working under Al Michaels, Lou Holtz and Bo Rein. He coached four All-ACC defensive backs for the Wolfpack during that stretch and also coached current Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Bill Cowher.

In 2000, Amato was named the 32nd Wolfpack head coach after spending 18 years at Florida State, 14 as assistant head coach. He directed the Seminole defensive line for 14 years and spent four seasons running the linebacking corps. He has been a part of 11 ACC championships, one as a player at NC State, two as an assistant coach for the Wolfpack, and eight at Florida State.

Aside from coaching, Amato stays involved in charitable activities. He participated in the inaugural Lee Fowler Charity Golf Classic, a benefit for the Jim “Catfish” Hunter Chapter of the ALS Association. He served as honorary co-chair of the Special Olympics North Carolina Sports Inspiring Greatness Gala in 2001. He founded the Chuck Amato Football Camp LLC – a camp for high school and elementary school students – in 2002.

“Chuck’s knowledge and understanding helps his players develop as students and good sportsmen on and off the field,” College of Education Dean Kathryn Moore says. “He and his family are generous with their time. They participate in numerous charity events that benefit the university and the community. Chuck Amato’s leadership as a winning football coach has brought new excitement and national attention to NC State. The College of Education is proud to honor Chuck’s contributions as a teacher, leader and coach.”

Amato will be honored on Friday, Oct. 31 at NC State’s Distinguished Alumni Awards Luncheon in the Talley Student Center Ballroom.

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