Michael Kovacs
catches the Warrior spirit

By Melissa Yerkov
Times Sports Editor

Michael Kovacs will be one of about 6,500 students attending East Stroudsburg University in the fall.
But he’ll arrive on campus already knowing one of them — his brother.
"My brother is a sophomore there," said Kovacs, a senior at Archbishop Ryan High School. "He comes home Thanksgiving and Christmas, but that’s about it. So we really don’t get to see each other as much as I’d like. But it’ll be great going to the same school."
And, hopefully, the Kovacs duo will be sharing more than lecture notes.
It’s possible they’ll be wearing Warrior baseball uniforms as well.
"We played together on Ryan’s team," said Kovacs, who catches for the Raiders’ baseball team. "So I’m really excited to be on the same team again. I really want to play baseball in college. I have to walk on, but hopefully I’ll make the team."
This moment has been a long time coming for the 18-year-old Kovacs. He first picked up baseball as a kid, and he hasn’t stopped throwing.
"My brother has taught me a lot over the years, but most of all he taught me how to have fun playing the game," said Kovacs. "He’s more experienced with it so he knows more about what’s going on."
Right now, Kovacs is spending his last few weeks as a Raider helping his team hang on to the first-place seed in the Philadelphia Catholic League Northern Division.
"It’s really exciting to be a senior," he said. "I worked hard to get this far, and I’m excited to be here."
As the Times went to press this week, the Raiders had 16-3 record. They were preparing to face North Catholic — which is tied with La Salle for second place — in a three-game series this week.
"It’s a tough league, but I think we have a strong team," said Ryan coach Ron Gerhart. "The guys are working hard.
"Mike has done an exceptional job," he added. "He was always an infielder, but when we needed a catcher he stepped up, and he’s done a fantastic job for us."
Kovacs started out playing the midfield but then made the switch to catcher as a sophomore.
"There was an open position, so I just went for it," said Kovacs. "I really like the position. I love always being involved and being able to see the entire field in front of me."
Because of the new schedule this season, every team in the Catholic League will play each other in a three-game series, a system that significantly increased the number of games played over the past two months.
And for a 5-feet-11, 180-pound catcher, squatting behind home plate for three to four games a week is no easy task.
"By the end of the week it gets tiring. But when Monday rolls around, I’m OK and ready for more," said Kovacs. "I run a lot, especially in the offseason. So I feel OK."
Kovacs will have to be more than OK to catch fellow Raider Kevin McGovern, who has a fastball that can blow by in the mid-80s on a radar gun.
"They’re good friends on and off the field," said Gerhart. "He handles Kevin well. Mike is really good at keeping him in the game. They both work very well together."
No matter who is standing on the mound, Kovacs is always confident in his own capabilities.
"You always have to focus when you’re catching," said Kovacs. "It doesn’t matter who is pitching. You always have to keep your head in the game . . . you can’t daydream."
Actually, you can’t blame Kovacs for having a lot to daydream about. In a few months he’ll be living on his own and truly enjoying that college experience.
"This will be my first time living away from home, and I’m really excited," he said. "I can’t wait to experience the freedom. I’ll be living in the dorms. I’m excited to go up and meet new people and see what college life is all about."
The soon-to-be freshman has some uncertainties about his future. He hasn’t decided what his college major will be. He doesn’t know if he’ll make the Warriors’ baseball team. But through all the dubiety, one this is for sure.
"Baseball is great and I always want to play," said Kovacs. "The best part about Ryan is the players. The guys on this team are great and they really make the whole experience memorable. But I’m also looking forward to playing at Stroudsburg." ••
Sports editor Melissa Yerkov can be reached at 215-354-3035 or myerkov@phillynews.com