In a Community Rich with Tradition, Zach Kovell Leaves a Lasting Legacy

In a community rich with athletic tradition, few names have surfaced as consistently as Zach Kovell’s. Zach has become a symbol of what hard work, resilience, and heart can accomplish—not just on the field or court, but in life.

To truly appreciate Zach’s journey, one must rewind to his earliest memories of sports. “It started with T-ball,” he recalls. “I must’ve been in preschool or kindergarten, playing on that small, fence-less field down at Kane Road. Everyone tried to hit the ball on top of the elementary school or over to the basketball courts in the outfield—if you did, you were the coolest kid around.”

From that modest field, Zach’s passion grew. Fueled by childhood play on a Little Tikes basketball hoop and encouraged by his parents from an early age, sports quickly became a defining element of his life. While he initially explored several sports, including soccer, it was basketball that stole his heart in second grade. “It was my first true love,” Zach said. “I got to play up with the older kids, and that made me feel special. I fell in love with it from day one.”

Baseball eventually took a back seat as Zach entered high school, giving way to a new love: track and field. “I just didn’t have the same passion for baseball anymore,” he explained. “I thought, if I’m not feeling it, why keep going through the motions?” Known for his speed on the bases, Zach made a calculated transition to track—and it paid off. “That speed translated well. I’ve been grinding since freshman year, and it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve made.”

And the results speak for themselves. In just a few short years, Zach carved out a name for himself in track, placing ninth in the state championship last year—just one spot shy of the podium. “It still leaves a bad taste in my mouth, but it was a huge accomplishment. I never thought I’d even make it to states, let alone finish just outside medal position.” That same year, he completed the coveted Beaver County Triple—winning the 100, 200, and 400 meter events—and walked away with the MVP.

When asked who helped him get there, Zach doesn’t hesitate: “Coach Brunton. He’s the best coach I’ve ever had in my life. He’s so dedicated to his athletes and really helped push and guide me in track. I wouldn’t be where I am without him.”

Coach Jeff Brunton shared a similar sentiment, praising Zach not only for his performance but for the cultural shift he inspired within the program. “Zach has had a profound impact on the culture of our team,” Brunton said. “We had a group that was working hard and getting faster, but not many who would run the 400m—one of the toughest events in track. Zach boldly took on that challenge, and the way he runs through the pain of that race—like a firefighter running through a wall of flame—has inspired our whole boys sprint group to test and prove themselves over the quarter mile. Just a few years ago, it was difficult to put a 4×400 relay together at the end of a meet, but now boys are competing to get into the A team. I give a lot of credit to Zach’s determination and his willingness to do whatever is necessary to succeed.”

Now in his final year at Hopewell, Zach is laser-focused on how he wants to finish. “I want to go out breaking a couple school records and leave something behind for the younger athletes. Hopewell Track doesn’t end with me—it keeps going, and I want to lay a strong foundation.”

That same commitment shows up off the track as well. Zach reached the 1,000-point club in basketball this year—a milestone he’s chased since his freshman season. “I came in wanting to make an immediate impact. I didn’t care that I was a freshman. I just worked hard and did what I knew I could do. Reaching 1,000 points… that was a goal I had from the start.”

Zach’s parents couldn’t be more proud of the person he’s become. “Zach works hard and is fully dedicated to everything he does—school, track, playing basketball, coaching young athletes, and most importantly, his faith,” they shared. “We’re obviously proud of all Zach’s accomplishments on the track, the basketball court, and in the classroom, but we are most proud of the young man he has grown into. He is a supportive teammate and a great role model to young kids.”

As his high school career winds down, Zach is beginning to reflect more deeply on the final moments he’s experiencing. “It’s weird, you know? You never really know when something’s going to be the last time,” he said. “You could be sitting in the bleachers for the last time and not even realize it. It goes fast. One minute you’re a freshman just getting started, and the next you’re about to walk across that stage.”

So what will he miss the most?

“The community,” Zach said without hesitation. “I came from Fatima in eighth grade. I knew some people, but not like close friends. When I got to Hopewell, I was instantly shown so much love and appreciation—throughout my entire high school career. The people here are incredible. I’ve made friendships I’ll carry with me forever.”

He credits Hopewell not just with helping him become a better athlete, but a better person. “I’ve learned so much here—how to handle difficult situations, how to support others, how to celebrate the good stuff. It’s not just a school. It’s a family.”

As for what’s next? Zach is heading to Westminster College, where he’ll continue his academic and athletic journey. “I applied to a bunch of schools, just in case, but Westminster checked every box,” he said. “It has the campus vibe I was looking for, the right size, and it’s close enough to home. When I visited and met with the track team and coaches, I knew it was the right place. It just felt like home.”

At Westminster, Zach plans to major in mathematics with a minor in secondary education. His long-term goal? To become a high school math teacher—and a basketball coach.

“Behind all the sports, I’ve always loved math,” he said with a smile. “It started in high school. I’d be at home watching math videos on YouTube just because I wanted to learn more. And I’ve always loved working with kids. I’ve been coaching youth basketball since freshman year, and seeing a kid succeed at something you helped them with—that’s the most rewarding feeling. I want to do that for the rest of my life.”

Zach hopes to teach, coach, and mentor the next generation—possibly even back at Hopewell someday. “If the opportunity came up to come back here, I wouldn’t hesitate. This community has done so much for me, and I’d love to give back, whether it’s in the classroom or leading the basketball team to some championships.”

As a part of that journey, Zach was selected as the second annual Hopewell Sports Nation Male Scholarship recipient, an honor he says he’s grateful for—not just because of the recognition, but because of what it represents.

“This scholarship means a lot,” he said. “Hopewell Sports Nation is something special. I’ve never seen anything like it at any school—big or small. To have a platform that covers just Hopewell athletes, and highlights their achievements, it means a lot to us as players. Sometimes it’s the little things—like seeing your name in an article—that can change someone’s day.”

Zach plans to use the scholarship to help cover college expenses. “College is expensive,” he said. “Every bit helps. I’m thankful for it. It takes a little weight off my shoulders.”

His family echoed that gratitude. “We’re excited for what the future holds for Zach and the positive impact he will have on kids he teaches and coaches,” his parents added. “We want to thank HSN for awarding Zach this scholarship and also thank family, friends, and the Hopewell community for all of the support shown to Zach over the years.”

As for his legacy, Zach’s not just thinking about records or stats—he’s thinking about who will carry the torch next. As Hopewell’s spirited Viking mascot and ever-present supporter of all things blue and gold, he’s looking to pass that role down with care.

“I’ve got a couple names in mind,” he laughed. “Some serious, some… not so serious. But it’s something I’ve been thinking a lot about. It’s more than just putting on the helmet—it’s about being there for the teams, for the school, and for the community. Whoever it is, they’ve got big shoes to fill. I just hope they keep the spirit alive.”

Because for Zach Kovell, being a Viking has never been just about cheering from the sidelines—it’s about showing up, giving back, and leaving a mark that lasts far beyond the final whistle. Zach’s final comment was his own and he made it abundantly clear that he would not be where he is today without the unwavering support of his parents and his faith. “My parents are my biggest supporters since day one, they have never missed a sporting event I have been a part of. They were extremely supportive pushing me to be the best human being I could be while stopping to appreciate the life I have while being involved in so many different things.

” Mom, Dad – “Thank you for everything, thank you for all the time and money spent on my sports career. Thank you for continuing to push me, without you I wouldn’t be where I am today, and I appreciate what you have done for me very much.”

THROUGH THE YEARS – ZACH KOVELL – SLIDESHOW

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