To honor his father's memory, John "Pilsey" Petrilyak Jr. has embraced the mantle of head baseball coach at Marian High School. With a career deeply rooted in baseball, Petrilyak is set to instill timeless values and shape the future of the Colts' program.

Embracing Tradition and Forging Ahead

A Life Dedicated to Baseball

John "Pilsey" Petrilyak Jr. has spent virtually his entire life immersed in baseball. From his formative years playing in Beaver-Banks Little League to competing for West Hazleton High School, Petrilyak’s passion for the sport never waned. Coaching became an integral part of his journey early on, as he began assisting his father in local Babe Ruth leagues. Over the years, this dedication evolved into a comprehensive understanding of the game, one that he now aims to impart to the next generation.The elder Petrilyak taught his son the importance of fundamentals—a lesson passed down from another legendary figure, John "Kiss" Kasarda. This old-school approach emphasizes bunting, working counts, and hit-and-run plays. Petrilyak Jr. plans to revive these classic techniques, steering away from modern obsessions with exit velocity and launch angles. By focusing on solid fundamentals, he believes Marian can build a resilient and adaptable team.

A New Chapter Begins

Tony Radocha led Marian to multiple district championships before stepping down after last season. Petrilyak Jr., who had been part of Radocha’s coaching staff since 2020, saw this as an opportunity to take on a leadership role. His son, Chase Petrilyak, was among the standout players during Marian’s most recent title run. Once Chase moved on to college, Petrilyak Jr.’s focus shifted towards finding a place where he could leave his mark on the program.Marian’s current roster reflects youth and potential, with no seniors and a strong contingent of sophomores. Petrilyak sees this as both a challenge and an opportunity. He envisions a team where every player gets a fair shot at playing time, fostering a competitive environment that encourages growth. The young Colts will face formidable competition in Division 2 of the Schuylkill League, particularly from Schuylkill Haven and Minersville, but Petrilyak remains optimistic about their prospects.

Building for the Future

As Marian transitions to Class AA for the next two years, Petrilyak anticipates a strategic move back to Class A by the time his current sophomores graduate. This foresight positions the team for long-term success. To support this vision, Petrilyak plans to implement a robust junior varsity schedule, ensuring continuous development for younger players.The program has seen significant improvements over the past few years, including new infrastructure like a backstop and outfield fence. Petrilyak credits these enhancements to the collective effort of everyone involved. With a strong foundation in place, he is confident that Marian’s baseball program will continue to thrive.Petrilyak’s commitment to nurturing talent and preserving the essence of the game promises a bright future for the Colts. As he leads them forward, he carries the legacy of his father and the lessons of baseball’s rich history.