After helping the football team win two consecutive conference championships, he was promoted to head coach in 1958, a position in which he served through 1970.

He developed some of the most successful teams in school history, winning three conference championships as head coach before resigning after his 13th season.

[3] Molinari majored in biology and physical education and played for the school's football, basketball,[4] and track and field teams.

"[3] Playing end in football, he was an all-conference selection and helped them to two consecutive conference championships, while serving as team captain in his senior year.

[5] Molinari served in World War II after his time at Ripon, eventually achieving the rank of captain.

[4] According to Barksdale's Bark, Molinari coached a high school team in Ripon, Wisconsin, after his graduation from college but before serving in the war.

[3] He led his football team to four consecutive undefeated seasons and conference championships,[3] before resigning in 1953 to study at the University of Wisconsin–Madison,[12] from which he received a master's degree.

[5] Molinari returned to coaching in 1954 as head of the football team at Iron Mountain High School in Michigan.

[14] After being told by a friend about an opening at Winona State University, he resigned from Iron Mountain in June 1956 to accept the job.