WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — For Bob Kota, his years at West Liberty State College were the beginning of a journey that would take him from the baseball diamond to the United States Navy, through law school and into a long and successful legal career.

But some of his fondest memories remain rooted on the Hilltop and with the teammates and friends he made along the way.

Kota was a pitcher for the WLSC baseball team from 1963 through 1967 and was part of a historic group that brought the first national championship in West Liberty athletics history back to the Hilltop in 1964.
Led by head coach George Kovalick and pitching aces Joe Niekro and Frank Ujcich, the Hilltoppers captured the 1964 NAIA World Series in St. Joseph, Mo. After dropping a 16-inning opener to Wartburg, West Liberty rolled through the consolation bracket before sweeping Grambling State to claim the national championship.

Kota was part of that championship roster alongside Niekro, Ujcich, Joe Doerr, Fred Chambers, Floyd Shuler and other Hilltopper standouts. "We had a great team that year and beat many well known teams in the tournament," Kota recalled.

The championship was even more remarkable considering the circumstances surrounding the program. West Liberty did not have a home field during the 1964 season, forcing the Hilltoppers to play many of their games on the road.

Kota also remembers Kovalick as a coach who wore many hats. "George Kovalick was our coach, and he also coached the football and wrestling team with no paid assistants which is unheard of these days," Kota said.
When Kota arrived at West Liberty, he wasn't entirely sure what direction his life would take. "I didn't really know what I wanted to do," he said.

His mother encouraged him to attend WLSC because of its affordability and proximity to their home in Warwood, allowing him to commute.

Kota admitted that he entered college needing to make a change academically. "I was very behind in my education from high school simply because I didn't work hard in high school, but I decided to work hard in college and did," he said.

That decision helped shape the rest of his life. Kota graduated with a degree in marketing and came to appreciate the broad education he received at West Liberty. "I have realized how important it was to graduate from a liberal arts college for a well-rounded education," he said.

Following graduation, Kota joined the U.S. Navy, serving 2½ years on active duty followed by 18 years in the Naval Reserves before retiring. His professional career eventually led him back to the Wheeling area. After returning home and meeting his wife, Kota went on to attend law school at West Virginia University. He spent 20 years as corporate counsel for several coal companies before serving another 21 years as general counsel for a regional HMO/health insurer.

Through it all, Kota says his faith has remained an important part of his life and career. "I would be remiss if I didn't say that The Lord, Jesus Christ has been with me my entire life and career," he said.

For Kota, the greatest part of his West Liberty experience extends well beyond the accomplishments recorded in the record books. "My favorite memories of WL were the great professors and students I met while there," he said. "I still have close contact with many of them, especially all the athletes I played with and knew."

That lasting connection is a testament to the relationships forged during his college years. Kota encourages today's Hilltoppers to make the most of the opportunities West Liberty provides. "Take advantage of your education you're getting at WLU," he advises. "Some of the people you meet there will be long time friends. Your education will aid you for a most fruitful and rewarding life."

He also encourages current students and alumni to remain connected to the University and help future generations of Hilltoppers. "Stay connected to WLU and try to help others who will attend WLU in the future," Kota said.
Looking back on the path his life has taken — from a young pitcher on a championship baseball team to military service, law school and a distinguished legal career — Kota knows where the journey began. "If it wasn't for WLU, I could not have had the life I have," he said.

And decades after helping the Hilltoppers make history, Bob Kota remains exactly what the Timeless Toppers series celebrates: a proud West Liberty alumnus whose Hilltopper experience continues to be part of his life.
 

Timeless Toppers Q&A: Bob Kota

What is your favorite memory of your time at West Liberty?
My favorite memories of WL were the great professors and students I met while there. I still have close contact with many of them, especially all the athletes I played with and knew.

What advice would you give to current West Liberty student-athletes and students?
Take advantage of your education you're getting at WLU. Some of the people you meet there will be long-time friends. Your education will aid you for a most fruitful and rewarding life. Stay connected to WLU and try to help others who will attend WLU in the future.

What does it mean to you to be a West Liberty alumnus?
I am a proud alumnus of WLU. If it wasn't for WLU, I could not have had the life I have.

Who were some of the most influential coaches or teammates during your time at West Liberty?
George Kovalick was our coach, and he also coached the football and wrestling teams with no paid assistants, which is unheard of these days. I was fortunate to play with a great group of teammates on the 1964 national championship team and have maintained close relationships with many of the athletes I played with and knew.

What did your West Liberty experience mean to your life and career?
West Liberty gave me the education and foundation that helped prepare me for a most fruitful and rewarding life. I graduated with a degree in marketing and later went on to serve in the U.S. Navy, attend law school at WVU and build a long career in corporate and health-care law. I have realized how important it was to graduate from a liberal arts college for a well-rounded education.
 
 


West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students' aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Learn more at westliberty.edu.