New Tyrone Area High School business teacher Joe Laukaitis has only been at Tyrone High School for a few months, but he has already become involved in the school community outside of his classroom.
In addition to teaching business and accounting classes, Laukaitis, who played multiple sports in high school and was a college and professional football player, is also coaching basketball at Tyrone. Laukaitis the head junior varsity boys coach and the assistant varsity coach under Head Coach Luke Rhoades.
Laukaitis preaches being physical under the hoop and using size to players’ advantage.
“Coach Laukaitis has helped us all out and has taught us some killer post moves,” said senior Brady Ronan.
Laukaitis graduated from Saint Francis University in Loretto in 2014 with a degree in business.
While at SFU, he was a three-year starter at defensive end for the Red Flash football team. In his career, he tallied 118 total tackles, 3 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, and 7.5 sacks.
“My favorite college experience was recovering a fumble while playing in front of 35,000 fans at James Madison University,” Laukaitis said.
After college Laukaitis even continued his football career professionally in the IFL for the Wyoming Cavalry.
After leaving professional football, he stuck with football, becoming a defensive line coach at Westminster College. Although he enjoyed coaching at the college level, he wanted to be closer to home and pursue a different career.
Laukatis decided that he wanted to use his business degree and become a teacher.
He taught at Indiana High School and Hollidaysburg High School before taking the job at Tyrone.
Laukaitis’ previous experience was all at the middle school level, but he is excited to be teaching high school students at Tyrone.
Sophomore Aiden Lewis has Mr. Laukaitis for accounting and says that Laukaitis never hesitates to help students whenever they are struggling with their assignments.
“Mr. Lukaitus is very helpful in the classroom, and his teaching style is rapid but thorough,” Lewis said.
Students describe Laukaitis as a well-rounded teacher and coach and a good addition to the Tyrone faculty.
