By ryan buck

rbuck@vindy.com

canfield

Betras, Kopp & Harshman, LLC announced Wednesday the unveiling of the Coach John Kopp Heart of a Champion Award for high school athletes in the Mahoning Valley.

Named after longtime area coach John Kopp, the award will give area fans the opportunity to vote for male and female athletes in all three high school seasons to earn the honor bestowed upon those that have, “demonstrated extraordinary courage and determination...”

John Kopp has spent his life teaching and coaching. He was a standout at center for Youngstown State under coach Dwight “Dike” Beede before embarking on a remarkable high school coaching career spanning 40 years.

He has been on the coaching staffs of Ursuline, Chaney, Wilson, Cardinal Mooney and Austintown Fitch.

Until recently, there was a slight problem with the award.

John Kopp knew nothing about it.

“We didn’t tell him about it because he’s so humble and probably would have fought it,” said his son, Brian Kopp, an attorney. “We just used his name, but when we told him about it, he was overwhelmed.”

Still, the coach was gracious and especially pleased for the youth the award ultimately will benefit.

“I’m very happy to see that the firm has made a commitment to help young people of our valley,” John Kopp said. “The amount of successful young people that our sports programs produce is far more important than any number of victories.”

Like his career pursuits, John Kopp had no real interest in receiving notoriety or individual honors.

“He had overwhelming respect for his players and they responded in kind,” Brian Kopp said. “They played their hearts out for him.”

Other things mattered more.

Brian, one of three sons who found success around football, said, “I can’t imagine in 40 years how many players he’s come across.

“He’s most proud of people that have gone on to become teachers and coaches or kids that have emerged from tough situations and made it.”

The Kopp impact on athletics in the Mahoning Valley is a unique one, especially for John’s sons. Brian led Boardman to the 1987 state title game as a quarterback and now represents college football coaches as an agent, Dan is the Director of Football Operations at YSU and Neal Kopp led the Fitch football program before becoming athletic director and assistant principal at Akron Coventry High.

During the football season, fans will be able to vote every week for their most deserving player and two winners, from larger and smaller schools, will be chosen by fans and media members following the season. Boys and girls basketball players as well as baseball and softball players also will be up for awards.

Each winner’s school will receive a commemorative plaque and earn a $2,500 cash stipend for their respective athletic departments. Visit bhlaws.com for more information.