George KovachPHILADELPHIA -- Drexel Athletics Hall of Famer and former wrestling standout George Kovach passed away Monday at the age of 53.
Kovach was a three-time NCAA qualifier and three-time East Coast Conference champion at heavyweight in 1983, 1985 and 1986. He was named the ECC Most Outstanding Wrestler for the 1986 season. Kovach helped lead the Dragons to their first and only ECC title in 1985. Under the guidance of legendary Drexel coach Jack Childs, the Dragons posted a 15-1 record that year, which still stands as the best mark in school history. He finished his career with 79 victories and 26 pins, tied for the third most in school history.
"George was one of the Drexel Wrestling all-time greats," head coach Matt Azevedo said. "He has always been an amazing supporter of the program. George embodied the passion it takes to be a champion on the mat as well as off with his lifelong dedication to helping grow the sport of wrestling. He will be dearly missed."
In addition to his induction into the Drexel Athletics Hall of Fame in 2004, Kovach is in the process of being inducted into the West Chester East High School Sports Hall of Fame. Because of his love for the sport, he was a wrestling referee for 15 years and mentor to many up-and-coming wrestlers in his community.
Kovach is survived by his wife, Beth (nee McGrath); his parents, George and Jean (nee D'Angelo); brothers, John and Colleen (nee Rysak) and Stephen and Deborah (nee Spiritosantos); in-laws, Regina McGrath, Vince McGrath and Ann, Greg McGrath and Eileen, Pat Rambo and Liz, Mary McGrath and Mark; nieces, Anna, Lilly, Ashley, Caitlin, Ginny and Grace; nephews, Daniel, Travis, Greg Jr., Luke and Vince III; and numerous grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
An evening visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday at the James J. Terry Funeral Home in Coatesville. A morning visitation will be held the following day from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. at St. Peter Church in Coatesville, followed by the service at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations can be made in Kovach's memory to the Travis Manion Foundation, PO Box 1485, Doylestown, Pa., 18901.
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