This bio is now a part of a historical archive, the individual was on the staff from 1995-2013 and is no longer employed by Wilkes University.
Joe Folek starts his 18th season as head coach of the Colonels in 2013, and his 28th season affiliated with the Wilkes University baseball program. The Colonels have posted a record of 338 wins, 283 losses and four ties during Folek's tenure.
In 2009, Folek guided the Colonels to an overall record of 29-12, the most wins in school history. In 2007, the squad posted a 24-12 record and won their first Freedom Conference championship. Wilkes also earned the conference's automatic berth into the NCAA Division III playoffs for the first time since 1978. For his efforts Folek was named the Freedom Conference Coach of the Year.
In 2004, Folek's squad fashioned an overall record of 28-15-1. The 28 wins was the most in school history at the time, and the squad advanced to the Freedom Conference championship game for the second consecutive year, while also earning a berth in the ECAC Championships. In 2002, Folek was named the Freedom Conference's Coach of the Year after leading Wilkes to a 24-17-1 record and berths in both the Freedom Conference and ECAC playoffs.
Prior to his stint as head coach, Folek served for six seasons as an assistant coach for the Colonels. In 1994, he served as third base coach for the Blue and Gold as they captured the Middle Atlantic Conference championship. A 1988 Wilkes graduate, he earned four varsity letters as a member of the baseball team, while playing for former major league player Bob Duliba.
Since Folek joined the coaching ranks at Wilkes, the Colonels have had five players drafted or signed to professional contracts. This list includes former Wilkes hurler Kevin Gryboski, who pitched for three-plus seasons with the Atlanta Braves and is now in the Washington Nationals organization.
Folek, whose father Walter played for the Colonels in the late 1950's, is currently employed by the Wilkes-Barre Area School District. He earned his master's degree in Special Education from Marywood University, and is currently teaching special education at Meyers High School.
