Mike Vukovcan Hopewell’s Zach Kovell has three more months of high school before graduating and heading off to college.
Kovell is fortunate and talented enough to have the opportunity to continue his athletic career in college as he’s already received various Track and Field offers. Last night, Kovell made what was likely the biggest decision of his life up until this point as he made his college decision.
Kovell has decided to accept the offer to attend Westminster College as a member of their Track and Field program. Westminster was the first program to extend Kovell an offer.
Vikings Sports Now caught up with Kovell and asked him about his decision along what’s left for him to accomplish while at Hopewell High School.
“I really fell in love with the campus, environment, and the coaches when I took my first visit,” Kovell tells Vikings Sports Now. “Coach McNeil, Coach Emma, and Coach Amon have the program headed in the right direction and I see myself being a big part of that process.”
“It’s a huge day for us (family) as my dream since second grade was to compete in a sport at the collegiate level. I’ve now accomplished that dream and made second grade Zach so proud. I will be running sprints at Westminster including the 60, 100, 200, and 400.”
Hopewell’s Zach Kovell
Kovell and his teammates on the Hopewell Track and Field team accomplished a ton in 2024 including:
-Was part of Hopewell Boys first WPIAL Team Championship appearance in school history.
-Beaver County Championships Co-Track MVP and Co-Overall MVP
-Beaver County Championships winning the 100m, 200m and 400m.
-Silver Medal at WPIAL Team Semifinal in 100m (11.41)
-5th at WPIAL Individual Championships in 200m (22.49)
-Bronze Medal at WPIAL Individual Championship in 400m (50.20)
If you think Kovell is satisfied and content with these lofty accomplishments and knowing his college future is set, you don’t know Zach Kovell. The fire still burns as strong as ever as he has a few more things he’d like to accomplish before graduating from Hopewell.
“In my final high school season, I want to break school records, win a WPIAL title in the 200- and 400-meter dashes, and have a state medal around my neck by the end of the year.”
If I was a betting man, I’d lean towards Kovell accomplishing at least one of these goals.
Good luck and congratulations Zach!
