West Liberty University Athletics

    Dave Kovalick was a three-sport athlete on some of the most successful teams in West Liberty history. Kovalick excelled in baseball, football and wrestling, playing a key role on squads that won WVIAC championships in all three sports.
    He played fullback on the WVIAC title team of 1963, was the 177-pound individual champion during the 1966 conference wrestling championships, and was the starting right fielder on the baseball teams that won three WVIAC titles. He was a key contributor on the Hilltoppers' 1964 NAIA baseball championship squad – the school's first national title in a team sport.
    After graduating from West Liberty in 1967, Kovalick embarked on a highly successful teaching and coaching career at Barnesville (Ohio) High School that lasted until his retirement in 2003.
    During his 30-year career, Kovalick enjoyed coaching successes in track, baseball, football and wrestling. In 1988, Kovalick was the recipient of the prestigious OVAC Mr. Mat Award for his contributions to the sport of wrestling both as a coach and official. His 1992 football squad finished 12-1, compiling an undefeated regular season mark while claiming an Ohio Regional Championship.