John Galyas steps away after eight years coaching at Clay

Press Sports Editor
sports@presspublications.com

There’s an old saying that you want to leave something in a better place than what you found it.
It’s safe to say John Galyas did that for the Clay Eagles.
The football coach decided to step away after eight years coaching at his alma mater, and the program is on an upward trajectory, a testament to the job he did.
“Coach Galyas has been more than just a coach to our student-athletes; he has been a mentor, motivator, and leader,” Joseph Kiss, director of athletics, said in a statement. “From the moment he took the helm, he brought a vision of excellence and a level of consistency that elevated the Clay football program to new heights. Under his leadership, participation in the program grew significantly, fostering a renewed sense of pride and commitment among students and families.”
This past season, Clay went 8-3 and won the Northern Lakes League Cardinal Division with a 4-0 record, the first league title in 42 years for the program. The last conference championship for the Eagles came in 1982 when they won a share of the old Great Lakes League with Fostoria. Galyas was a sophomore on that Clay team.
He talked about living out his dream by coaching the Eagles.
“It's been a dream come true, my dream job, and I fully mean that,” Galyas said. “It’s been a great honor coaching at my alma mater. It’s been incredible.”
This was one of the best teams the Eagles have had in some time. Clay defeated Sandusky, Bowling Green and Napoleon, losing a heartbreaker, 35-28, to the Blue Streaks in a rematch in the first round of the playoffs.
Quarterback Mason Heintschel, who is committed to continue his collegiate career at Pitt, completed 170-of-241 passes for 2,240 yards and 34 touchdowns while rushing 115 times for 721 yards.
There were other key contributors, like Hudson Byers, Landon Eversman, Derek Harmer, Troy Hazuda, Brayden Schultz, Aaron Miller and Brody Ostrander.
In Galyas’ first season, the Eagles went 5-5, beating Rogers, 41-0, in week one for the coach’s first victory, they also beat St. John’s, a playoff team, 27-22.
One of the biggest wins in program history was a 27-26 win over Valley Forge in ’20, the first playoff win.
Clay held a 21-7 lead before the Patriots rallied and scored 19 unanswered points when RB Trell Marks scored a touchdown to put Forge ahead, 26-21, with 1:31 remaining.
But the Eagles marched 80 yards and scored when QB Logan Heintschel scored on a 9-yard touchdown run with seven seconds to play.
There are a number of indelible moments that Galyas and his team have given the community.
“Obviously, in my first game, we beat Rogers – that one always stands out. We beat St. John’s in my first year – that was a huge win for us,” said Galyas. “Winning the (league) championship, that’s a huge memory; winning the first playoff game in school history. All of those things stick out.
“A big goal of mine was, when I step away, I do want to leave it better than (I found it). The stuff behind the scenes, the upgraded locker room, equipment, that’s been a goal, winning the league championship, it was a really good run. I’m pretty proud of what we were able to do.”
Galyas credited the district and Clay High School administration for its support.
“Our district administration and the building administration have been great. Both athletic directors that I’ve worked for were great. It’s a tough decision, but I think it’s the right one. When this starts to feel like a job, that’s the time to get out. I did a lot of thinking and reflecting on how the season ended, so I decided this was the right decision,” said Galyas.
“I didn’t want to be somebody who hangs on too long – that’s not me, plus it’s not fair to the kids. They deserve someone who’s going to approach the job the right way 12 months a year, 365 days a year,” he said. “That’s what people don't see, it’s a grind. It’s time for somebody else to step in. I hope whoever replaces me does a great job.
“I love the school, I love the program. I will be a huge supporter of whoever replaces me,” he said.