Battle Mountain athletes sign on to NCAA Division I, II and III programs
Ryan Sederquist/Vail Daily
Seven Battle Mountain athletes committed to competing at the NCAA Division I, II and III levels earlier this year.
Jakob Methvin, Thea Armistead, Jack Reed, William Morrison, Teagan Larsen, Izzy Kovacik and Kate Kovacik were recognized at a signing event on Feb. 11.
“We are grateful to have such a strong and supportive community, and we are excited to watch these student-athletes represent Battle Mountain High School as they take the next step in their journeys,” athletic director Zachary Holden stated at the event. “They will forever be a part of the Husky family, and we all look forward to cheering them on at the next level.”
Methvin graduated early from Battle Mountain in order to play in Europe before heading off to the University of California at Santa Barbara. The two-time Colorado 4A state soccer player of the year was a member of the 2023 state championship squad. Methvin scored a program record 81 goals and tallied 46 assists in his four-year varsity career.
“Jakob is quite simply, the best player we have ever had,” longtime coach Dave Cope stated of Methvin, who broke numerous single-season and career school records.
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“But what made Jakob stand out when UCSB flew out here to watch him play was his commitment to his teammates,” Cope continued. “And to being a two way player, willing to score goals, assist them and do the hard work of defending all over the field.”
Armistead was a team captain for the Battle Mountain girls soccer team and will continue her career at Clarkson University. She led the Huskies to a 10-4-1 overall mark and 6-0 league record this spring, scoring 11 goals and tallying a team-high 14 assists along the way. Head coach Lauren Lux described Armistead as a “midfield engine.”
“Thea’s dedication and passion for the game has made a significant positive impact at Battle Mountain and I have no doubt it will be the same at Clarkson,” Lux added.
Jack Reed is headed to Macalaster College in Minneapolis, Minnesota for baseball. Reed led the Huskies in batting average (.500) and home runs (2) and went 3-2 on the mound with a team-high 46 strikeouts in 27 innings pitched. Jeff Townsend coached Reed before high school and during his career at Battle Mountain.
“It has been fun to watch him grow into an outstanding athlete and person,” Townsend stated. “Jack has grown into a leader of our team and his athleticism, love for the game and work ethic has allowed him to succeed at the high school level and will propel him to success at the college level.”
William Morrison is headed to NCAA DII Mars Hill University in North Carolina to play golf. Morrison capped off his prep career with a 30-foot birdie putt to place 12th in the 3A state championships held at Eagle Ranch Golf Club last October.
“William has always loved sports — soccer, baseball, basketball, and football — but he always found his way back to golf,” Morrison’s parents expressed in a statement read at the signing day. “His journey into the game began with family, learning alongside his grandpa, uncle and dad. Those moments didn’t just shape the golfer he’s become, but the incredible person he is today.”
Larsen, who competed in Alpine skiing and lacrosse at Battle Mountain, will continue participation in the latter sport at Concordia University in Wisconsin next fall. Larsen scored 17 goals and had eight assists in helping the Huskies to a 12-5 record this spring. Coach Pat Doherty said Larsen has always been the guy that would “show up early to practice and leave late.”
“(He) has truly embraced the idea that if you put in the work, the results will follow,” Doherty explained. “His work, effort, and attitude are definitely what stood out to the college coaches throughout his recruiting process and I could not be more excited to see him fulfill his dream of playing at the next level.”
Izzy and Kate Kovacik have been leaders on the court and the pitch for Battle Mountain over the last four years. The twins are headed to Akron University to play NCAA DI lacrosse next year.
“Izzy has worked incredibly hard at achieving her goal,” coach Mat Ballay stated. “Kate is joining her sister at Akron next year after putting in countless hours fine-tuning her game. It will be fun to watch her continue her athletic pursuits.”
Both athletes went over 100 goals in their career. During their careers, the Huskies went 56-11, including 38-2 in Western Slope League play.
