The Rusty Brauner Jamboree was held Friday night under the lights at the Fontainebleau Dawg Pound featuring St. Paul’s vs. Archbishop Rummel and FHS going against Brother Martin. FHS head football coach Mike Materne said the school would recognize someone each year by naming the jamboree in their honor. This year’s jamboree was named in recognition of Brauner, a longtime FHS American History teacher (16 years), who was named FHS “Teacher of the Year” in 2002-2003. He was the successful girls soccer coach (13 years), and is now retired.

Brauner said he was humbled by the special recognition.

“I think it is wonderful that the school thought enough of me to recognize me this way. It’s truly a great honor and it’s very touching for me. I worked hard over the years and loved what I did as a teacher and coach,” Brauner said.

RUSTY BRAUNER

Fontainebleau principal Johnny Vitrano and current Lady Dawgs’ head soccer coach Carly Hotard joined Brauner on the field between games to recognize him with a presentation.

Former FHS public address announcer and current PA voice of the Tulane Green Wave, Dennis Ford, did the honors from the press box as he returned filling in for Pastor Ken Schroeder of Mandeville’s First Baptist Church, the Bulldogs’ current voice, who was unable to call the game due to illness.

Brauner started the Lady Dawgs’ soccer program back in 1994 and compiled a 206-52-16 mark during his 13-year tenure as coach. He won the Class 5A state championship in 2004 and captured eight district titles. He also coached baseball and football at FHS.

Brauner touched the lives of thousands of Bulldogs. Coach Brauner was described as a true “nice” guy, who always had a smile and a good word for everyone.

Ford summed up coach Brauner’s presentation by simply saying “Great job, coach, and enjoy your retirement, but don’t be a stranger” because remember coach “Once a Bulldog always a Bulldog.”

Brauner and his wife Nancy, who also did her fair share of volunteering over the years to assist her hubby and the school, are in their 39th year of marriage and what a winning, wonderful team they make.