Quaker Valley’s Jackovic commits to play football at Army

By: HSSN Staff
Friday, December 14, 2018 | 8:03 PM

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A desire to do useful work influenced where Quaker Valley senior Ryan Jackovic will continue his football career next season.

“I decided to go to Army because it offers the best mix (of) an incredible education (and) big-time football,” Jackovic said. “Then, after graduation, getting the chance to serve this great country.”

Jackovic considered Cornell and Penn State.

Jackovic, a 6-foot-5, 210-pound wide receiver-safety, caught 35 passes for 464 yards and scored eight touchdowns for the Quakers this past season, helping them to the WPIAL Class AAA playoffs.

“Ryan will be great at West Point because he believes in team and is committed to put in the work to make those around him better,” Quaker Valley football coach Ron Balog said. “He is a leader and will make the sacrifices needed to serve his teammates and his country.

“Academically, he is strong and will be able to handle the workload. On the football field, he has the talent to compete at that high level.”

Jackovic was on hand as Army (10-2) beat Navy for the third consecutive season, 17-10, Dec. 8 in Philadelphia. The Black Knights will take on Houston in the Armed Services Bowl Dec. 22 in Ft. Worth, Texas.

“(I am) loving it,” Jackovic said.

Jackovic, who plans to study mechanical engineering, said his goals are to excel academically, athletically and militarily.

Jackovic was one of seven Quaker Valley athletes who participated recently in a signing ceremony.

Also committing to college programs were Evan Frund, Capital, men’s lacrosse; Kendyll Petronick, Temple, women’s rowing; Jake Commens, McDaniel, baseball; Grace Wirth, Niagara, women’s soccer; Christian Johnson, Wooster, baseball; and Ethan Moore, Kent State, baseball.

Karen Kadilak is a freelance writer.

Tags: Quaker Valley