[1] Mariano's college career began at St. Lawrence University where he played for both the ice hockey and soccer teams.
He spent the following year attending Norwich University, working as an assistant on the men's ice hockey and soccer teams while earning a master's in education.
After Don Cahoon left to take over at Princeton, Mariano became the head coach for the ice hockey team as well.
Mariano remained in charge of both programs for two seasons but decided to focus on the ice hockey team after 1984.
In 1987, Mariano led Norwich to its first NCAA Tournament appearance and was named the Division III coach of the year.