Coming off an incredible season for the Hempfield Area Spartan baseball team, highlighted by a thrilling upset over top-seeded North Allegheny in the first round of the WPIAL Championships, standout players Ian Kovalcik and Chase Sikorski played key roles in the team’s success. The two have played together for over 11 years, building not only a strong connection on the field, but a lasting friendship off of it.
Ian Kovalcik has been a four-year varsity player and a two-year starter who has played a major role in the success of the Spartans baseball program. Kovalcik serves as the team’s primary catcher and also competes for his travel team, All American. His defensive skill set, game awareness, and ability to manage a pitching staff aid in him being one of the most dependable backstops in the WPIAL. Last season, Kovalcik earned Second Team All-Section honors and was recognized as one of the top defensive catchers in Class 6A.
But don’t get it twisted, he can swing the bat too. During the regular season, Kovalcik hit an impressive .378, ranking third in 6A and providing key offensive production in the middle of the lineup. Kovalcik recently committed to Mercyhurst University to continue his academic and athletic career with plans to study Political Science. Reflecting on his decision, he said, “I had a pretty clear idea that Mercyhurst was the place for me”.
Kovalcik credits God, his teammates, coaches, and family for helping him reach this point and looks forward to competing at the next level.
Chase Sikorski, a four-year varsity player and three-year starter for the Hempfield Area Spartans, has been a key contributor in both the pitching rotation and as a middle infielder. He also competes for the Hempfield Lumberkings and occasionally with the All American travel team. After suffering a UCL tear, Sikorski made a determined return last season, appearing in three games and posting a .276 batting average.
As a sophomore, he earned First Team All-Section honors, showcasing his talent and leadership early in his high school career. Sikorski recently announced his commitment to continue his academic and athletic journey at Mercyhurst University, where he plans to study Business. Reflecting on his decision, he said, “Just the feel of the campus made me feel at home”.
When asked about what drives his success, Sikorski shared advice for younger athletes: “Work as hard as you can if you’re serious about it, because time does run out and you don’t want to be left wondering, ‘What if?’”
For the past 11 years, Ian Kovalcik and Chase Sikorski have shared more than just a dugout; they’ve shared a brotherhood built through countless practices, games, and memories both on and off the field. Sikorski says, “We know each other’s goals and push ourselves to strive for those goals”.
Their bond goes far beyond being teammates; they’re best friends who spend most of their time together outside of school as well. Kovalcik offers advice to younger athletes who look up to him and Sikorski, saying, “My advice to other players is don’t let the recruiting process take over your life”. He encourages younger players to stay driven and not get caught up worrying about coaches. After years of throwing a baseball to each other, their journey continues as teammates and roommates at Mercyhurst University.
