Former assistant Ricky Tyburski to replace Joe Salvino as Belle Vernon boys basketball coach

By: Jeremy Sellew
Wednesday, May 21, 2025 | 6:01 AM

Belle Vernon athletic director Matt Humbert didn’t have to look too far to find the next leader of the boys basketball program.

Longtime assistant coach Ricky Tyburski was hired by a unanimous vote of the Belle Vernon Area School Board on Tuesday evening.

Tyburski has been an assistant coach under head coach Joe Salvino for the past 15 seasons. He joined Salvino’s staff at Monessen in 2010 and joined the legendary coach when Salvino moved to Belle Vernon in 2018. Salvino retired after last season.

“I’m excited to continue with the success that we’ve been building here for the past seven years,” Tyburski said. “Continuing that tradition without having to change too much is going to help. I’m thankful for what we have in place here. There may be a couple slight changes but nothing like a complete overhaul. I’m really excited for this opportunity.”

Tyburski was the head junior varsity coach and top assistant under Salvino, playing a significant role in this season’s WPIAL championship team, the 2020 WPIAL runner-up team and four section championships. His JV teams were 72-26 over his time, including 15-0 this past season.

While with Salvino at Monessen, Tyburski was part of the 2011 2A championship team, the 2012 runner-up squad, the 2014 Class A runner-up and the 2015 and 2017 Class A championship teams. The Hounds won eight section titles during his time there and his JV record with the Greyhounds was 51-15.

“Just from working with Coach Salvino and being around him, I’ve learned so many things on and off the court. He’s been tremendous helping me grow as a coach,” Tyburski said. “Even coaching the Metro girls, the rec program and doing youth soccer. Just things about being a coach and being there for the kids. That’s what the biggest thing is for me: What can I do as a coach to help these student-athletes?”

Tyburski was a player for the Greyhounds and won back-to-back WPIAL championships in 2001 and 2002 to go along with three section titles. He graduated in 2002.

He then went on to graduate from Pitt in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in political science and communications and business services.

He lives in Rostraver Township with his wife, Kristen, and two daughters, Victoria (12) and Charlotte (7). Victoria will be a part of the girls middle school team next season, and Charlotte is active in the BVA Metro and recreation leagues.

Tyburski coached the sixth-grade girls Metro team this past season and is a coach in the BVA Youth Soccer Association and has coached in the Monessen Summer Basketball leagues.

While a staff isn’t put together, Tyburski is hopeful the path continues with another Salvino assistant, Dana Zajicek, in the mix.

“Dana and I have talked going in to this process. For now, I’ll just say I’m anticipating him being back with me. This is all official today, so my first goal will be to get him back on staff,” he said. “We’ve worked well together, and I’d like him to be alongside me for everything. He’s taught me some things as well. I hope he will continue that role in the first chair and coaching the JV team.”

Salvino, who was part of the interview process, is confident the right choice was made with Tyburski taking over the role of head coach.

“I wanted one of my assistants to try to get the job,” Salvino said. “When we left the meeting that day, everyone felt Ricky was really deserving. I think a big part of it, too, was that he could be more accessible to the young kids, the Metro and youth leagues. That played a big part.”

While he is retired, Salvino mentioned that he’s still going to remain around the program. Of course, he’ll always be a confidant for his former assistant.

“I’m still going to be around. I’m still going to make it to some practices and games,” Salvino said. “I’m not going to tell him who to play and what he should do. If he ever needs something, I’ll be there for him without a doubt. He knows he can rely on me, and that’s something I’m proud to do for him.”

The biggest challenge, Salvino said, will be going from assistant to head coach.

“You know the way it ends up being is the head coach has to be the bad guy sometimes, and the assistant coaches are the nice guys. There are some things as a head coach you have to do that’s not always popular.

“I just hope he stays Ricky Tyburski. He can confide in me for those kinds of things, and I’ll continue to guide him as much as I can. He’s going to do a great job, and I’m excited that he’s going to be able to continue building something he’s been a part of.”

Of course, Tyburski is excited to have Salvino around as a mentor.

“There is some comfort there. Over the past few seasons, he’s given me a lot more responsibility when it comes to making decisions, making plans and running practices,” Tyburski said. “I feel like he’s always been preparing me for this. We’re going to miss him.

“Ultimately, I’ll always be there for the kids. I’ve seen a lot of things over the years and learned a lot when it comes how to handle a lot of different things,” he said. “As far as having the be the bad guys and disciplinarian, I’m prepared for it if the situation arises. As long as I have the respect of the players and they have my respect, I hope we don’t have to go down that road.”

Tags: Belle Vernon