Mars head coach Blair Gerlach hugs player Kristen McKenzie after Mars defeated South Park in the WPIAL Class AA girls soccer championship game in 2011. Gerlach is entering the Mars Athletic Hall of Fame.

ADAMS TWP — At the urging of several club soccer players, Blair Gerlach came to Mars High School 17 years ago.

He's never left, creating quite a legacy in the process.

After spending five seasons as the head coach of the Planets' boys team, Gerlach took over the girls team and has since led the Planets to an overall record of 187-34-13, four WPIAL championships and one state title.

Gerlach will be inducted into the Mars Athletic Hall of Fame next month.

“I've found a niche as a coach, but what I enjoy most about it are the relationships I've formed and the opportunity to affect people's lives,” Gerlach said. “Being involved like this with people often leads to talks about things more important than soccer.”