Stan Petela
Stan Petela taught physical education and general science at Branford High School for thirty three years. But if you ask anyone who came into contact with him-student, parent, or colleague-they will tell you that he actually taught students how to succeed at life.
Stan was born in 1923 in Branford. A 1941 graduate of Branford High School, he led the basketball team to state tournament finals during his junior and senior years. Both times he was named All State forward. During the spring season, he played outfield on the baseball team.
After graduation, Stan joined the Army Air Force, which enabled him to play basketball all over Europe. He also worked as a crew chief, handling P-47s, P-39s, and P-38s. His planes completed 140 missions with no mechanical failures. He served in England, France, and Germany, earning a Bronze Star. After his discharge in 1945, Stan entered the University of Connecticut, transferring in 1947 to Michigan State University on a basketball scholarship.
When a service-related ailment recurred, Stan transferred to the University of Arizona in Tucson. Once there he did some coaching and found that he really enjoyed working with the youngsters. He says this experience led him to his decision to teach.
Graduating from Arizona in February 1951 with a B.S. in Physical Education and Social Studies, Stan worked in Tucson for Grand Central Aircraft. Ten months later he returned to Branford and started to work for Pratt & Whitney. But an opportunity to coach at Branford High School could not be ignored. This began a 33-year career teaching P.E. and science at the high school. He continued his education, receiving a master's degree from Fairfield University in 1959. But more notably, he also coached freshman football, varsity basketball, cross-country, baseball, and golf. During his entire fifteen years of coaching varsity basketball, his teams had winning seasons every year and earned fourteen CIAC tournament berths. He retired in 1985.
Some of the awards garnered during his career include: 1967 CIAC Connecticut Coaches Award; honorary membership in New Haven County Basketball Officials Association; 1967 Housatonic Basketball Title; 1980 State Golf Championship; 1980 Housatonic League Golf title; 1984 Tap-Off Club Hall of Fame Award; Branford Basketball Boosters award; and 1989 Branford Sports Hall of Fame.
Stan met his bride-to-be, Mary, after returning from service in Europe when she was working with his sister at the telephone company. They have been married for forty-eight years and have three children: Jimmy, who teaches at BHS, Greg, and Janet, who teaches physical education at Guilford High School. Stan and Mary have two granddaughters, Kirsten and Spence, and a grandson, Eric.
Stan explains that he was raised in a large family where success in education was expected. His brothers and sister and many of his aunts and uncles were educators as well. He believes that sports prepare students for life. "Playing on an athletic team provides young people with a feeling of belonging, discipline, and dedication to a sport, good health habits, and the knowledge of how to work with others. It's a life-living experience, not just a game but an essential part of life," Stan says.
Part of Coach Petela's success is attributed to his superior ability to teach fundamentals and his special personality that appeals to everyone. Those who have been "taught" by Stan say he encouraged them to be more than they were by treating them with respect. He is much admired and even if he knows how much he has influenced the lives of others, he's far too modest to acknowledge the fact.
Today, you'll find him playing "a little" golf. He also says that between his house and those of his children, there are lots of projects that keep him very busy.
Stan was born in 1923 in Branford. A 1941 graduate of Branford High School, he led the basketball team to state tournament finals during his junior and senior years. Both times he was named All State forward. During the spring season, he played outfield on the baseball team.
After graduation, Stan joined the Army Air Force, which enabled him to play basketball all over Europe. He also worked as a crew chief, handling P-47s, P-39s, and P-38s. His planes completed 140 missions with no mechanical failures. He served in England, France, and Germany, earning a Bronze Star. After his discharge in 1945, Stan entered the University of Connecticut, transferring in 1947 to Michigan State University on a basketball scholarship.
When a service-related ailment recurred, Stan transferred to the University of Arizona in Tucson. Once there he did some coaching and found that he really enjoyed working with the youngsters. He says this experience led him to his decision to teach.
Graduating from Arizona in February 1951 with a B.S. in Physical Education and Social Studies, Stan worked in Tucson for Grand Central Aircraft. Ten months later he returned to Branford and started to work for Pratt & Whitney. But an opportunity to coach at Branford High School could not be ignored. This began a 33-year career teaching P.E. and science at the high school. He continued his education, receiving a master's degree from Fairfield University in 1959. But more notably, he also coached freshman football, varsity basketball, cross-country, baseball, and golf. During his entire fifteen years of coaching varsity basketball, his teams had winning seasons every year and earned fourteen CIAC tournament berths. He retired in 1985.
Some of the awards garnered during his career include: 1967 CIAC Connecticut Coaches Award; honorary membership in New Haven County Basketball Officials Association; 1967 Housatonic Basketball Title; 1980 State Golf Championship; 1980 Housatonic League Golf title; 1984 Tap-Off Club Hall of Fame Award; Branford Basketball Boosters award; and 1989 Branford Sports Hall of Fame.
Stan met his bride-to-be, Mary, after returning from service in Europe when she was working with his sister at the telephone company. They have been married for forty-eight years and have three children: Jimmy, who teaches at BHS, Greg, and Janet, who teaches physical education at Guilford High School. Stan and Mary have two granddaughters, Kirsten and Spence, and a grandson, Eric.
Stan explains that he was raised in a large family where success in education was expected. His brothers and sister and many of his aunts and uncles were educators as well. He believes that sports prepare students for life. "Playing on an athletic team provides young people with a feeling of belonging, discipline, and dedication to a sport, good health habits, and the knowledge of how to work with others. It's a life-living experience, not just a game but an essential part of life," Stan says.
Part of Coach Petela's success is attributed to his superior ability to teach fundamentals and his special personality that appeals to everyone. Those who have been "taught" by Stan say he encouraged them to be more than they were by treating them with respect. He is much admired and even if he knows how much he has influenced the lives of others, he's far too modest to acknowledge the fact.
Today, you'll find him playing "a little" golf. He also says that between his house and those of his children, there are lots of projects that keep him very busy.