Rayen graduate mourns Kovach

Rayen graduate mourns Kovach

Fanfare:

I am truly saddened by the recent loss of John Kovach. The Vindicator and all Youngstown area sports fans have truly lost a great person. Mr. Kovach provided Valley natives, such as myself, a chance to be highlighted and celebrated in his weekly writings. During my interview with Mr. Kovach, I was extremely surprised and amazed that he knew I was an athlete at Mount Union College. What was more impressive was his recollection of my high school career at The Rayen School. He knew everything from statistical averages to the team records. The other day I read an article that highlighted his passion for the Valley athletes. During our interview, this was evident. You could hear it in his voice. That was my first conversation with Mr. Kovach.

When the article he wrote about me printed, I called to thank him. I let him know how humbled and appreciative I was that he wrote such an excellent article about me, a Division III athlete. He expressed the joy he received to see area athletes excel. The article he wrote and the conversation we had after motivated me to work harder, to make the Valley proud! We have lost much more than a sports writer or correspondent. He was a motivator and a window for the Valley to see athletes that otherwise would have been forgotten. Mr. Kovach will truly be missed!

Respectfully,

Clay A. Sanders