Millersville

John Petrus, a three-time All-PSAC East First Team selection, was a rock on the strongside of a staunch Marauder defense for four seasons and a key to the Lambert-Meadowlands Cup-winning 1988 club.

Petrus’ aggressiveness and instincts produced 445 tackles in his career, which ranked him first career tackles following his 1988 senior season. That mark that still ranks second in school history. His 157 tackles in 1986 are tied for the single season record, and his 154 in 1987 ranks third all-time.

After totaling 18 tackles as a rookie in 1985, Petrus broke out in 1987. As a sophomore, he led the PSAC’s best defense by setting a Millersville record with 125 assisted tackles, broke up three passes, blocked a kick and picked off two passes. He also returned an interception for a touchdown. At season’s end, he was named ECAC Division II Rookie of the Year and was the only sophomore to be chosen to the All-PSAC Eastern Division defensive team. The Marauders posted a 9-1 record that season.

During his junior year, Petrus totaled 154 tackles, 3.5 sacks and two interceptions. He earned All-ECAC recognition for the second year in a row and was tabbed NCAA Division II All-America Honorable Mention. The team also honored him as its defensive MVP.

As a senior captain in 1988, Petrus led the Marauders and in tackles for a third time and led Millersville to a 10-2 record, a PSAC East title and a NCAA Division II semifinals appearance. He continued to pile up honors like he piled up tackles. For the third year in a row Petrus landed All-PSAC East First Team and All-ECAC honors. He again received All-America Honorable Mention. The Maxwell Football Club recognized him for his outstanding defense play. Most impressively, he was a candidate for the Harlon Hill Trophy, which is awarded to the best player in Division II each year—a rarity for a defensive player.

Petrus graduated with a degree in technology education in 1989. He is currently a teacher in the Danville Area School District.