Thiel College Athletics

Petrarca began his career at Thiel College in 1966, serving as a professor of health and physical education along with coaching duties. He remained a professor until his retirement in 2001.
 
Petrarca was the head coach of Thiel's baseball team for 13 seasons (1976-79, 1981-89). The Tomcats won 88 games under Petrarca and captured the school's first-ever PAC title in baseball in 1981. Petrarca also mentored PAC Player of the Year Dave Rhodes in 1981. In 1987, he led the baseball team to a 14-4 record, was named the PAC Coach of the Year and mentored Larry Fowkes, the PAC Player of the Year.
 
From 1978-81, Petrarca served as head football coach, compiling a record of 18-16-2. The Tomcats' best season under Petrarca was in 1979 when he led them to a 6-3 record. In 1980, Petrarca coached Paul Fiore, who was named to the Academic All-America Second Team, as selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA). Prior to his time as head football coach, Petrarca served as the team's defensive coordinator for multiple seasons and was a part of the Tomcats' PAC titles in 1967 and 1972.
 
Petrarca also coached Thiel's swimming & diving team and served as an assistant track & field coach. A Grove City High School graduate, he earned a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from Slippery Rock University.
 
Petrarca served as a high school football referee and a high school and college basketball referee in Western Pennsylvania for more than 25 years. He was inducted into the Mercer County Hall of Fame 1994. Petrarca passed away Aug. 4, 2013. He is survived by his wife, Ann, sons Stephen and John and daughters Cynthia and Ann-Rene.