He attended Butler High School and played for the football, baseball, and basketball team.

[4] Bernlohr began his coaching career in 1927 with his alma mater, Butler High School.

[1] In 1929, Bernlohr returned to his college alma mater, Capital, and took over the head coach positions for the football, baseball, and basketball teams and was named athletic director.

[6][7][8][9] He resigned from coaching the football team following the 1938 season to focus solely on his athletic director duties.

[10] In twelve seasons as head football coach he led the team to an overall record of 37–37–10.