SAN ANTONIO – The UTSA cross country team is three meets into the 2019 season. Before UTSA's next meet in College Station on Oct. 19, get to know a few of the Roadrunners student-athletes. Today, learn all about junior Zack Kovar!
A native of Austin, Texas, and a product of Dripping Springs High School, Kovar has competed in a pair of meets to open the season, finishing 38th in opener of 2019 at the UIW Opener.
At what age did you begin running competitively?
ZK: Junior year of high school. I quit the other two sports I was playing (basketball and golf) to focus on running.
Why did you start running competitively / under what circumstances did you begin focusing on the sport?
ZK: I had a breakout season my junior year of high school and I knew I had a chance of running in college.
What is your earliest memory of distance running?
ZK: My first day of seventh-grade cross country practice. Growing up I was always a sprinter so running distance was uncharted territory for me.
Who is your inspiration in competition and why?
ZK: I'd say my inspiration in competition isn't one single person. So many people including family, friends, coaches, teammates, etc., have played a part in me getting to where I am today. I don't want to let them down!
What family members have made the biggest impact on your life?
ZK:My mom Denise, dad Gary, older sister Ally and twin sister Olivia. My whole family has made a huge impact because of their support for me, even driving multiple hours to watch me compete.
Who is a former collegiate or professional athlete whom you admire?
ZK: Probably Kawhi Leonard, because he is a super quiet guy who flies under the radar, works hard and doesn't need the spotlight on him to go win championships. His humbleness is an extremely valuable trait that not many athlete have.
Why did you decide to attend UTSA?
ZK: During my visit, I really clicked with the guys and wanted to be a part of a winning culture.
What are your team and individual goals at UTSA?
ZK: Our team goal is to win conference championships. My individual goal is to score as many points as I can to help my team win the championship.
What is your academic major?
ZK: Business management. I selected this major because I would one day like to work in the sports industry.
What are your career goals and why do you have an interest in pursuing that particular career?
ZK: My career goal is to work in the sports industry because I have always had a love and passion for sports. I live for nail-biting games and record-breaking performances.
What do you enjoy doing outside of running and school?
ZK: I love playing golf. I played in high school and miss it. I always try to get a round in whenever I can. I also enjoy a day on the lake, fishing or wakeboarding.
What is something most people might not know about you?
ZK:I have played six different sports competitively throughout my life (track, basketball, baseball, football, golf and tennis).
What would you like to be known for as a UTSA student-athlete?
ZK: As someone who gave 100-percent every day and a leader that my teammates looked up to.
What advice would you give to a young athlete who would like to one day be in your shoes?
ZK: Work hard, work hard, work hard. Anything is possible if you put the work in!
- UTSA -
