Division III Week Student Spotlight - Wyatt Popovich

This week is NCAA Division III Week and member institutions across the country are celebrating the seventh-year event. 

Division III Week, which runs from Monday through Sunday, is intended to recognize the academic and athletic accomplishments as well as the campus leadership and community service efforts of Division III student-athletes. 

As part of Huntingdon College's participation in Division III Week, five student-athletes will be featured this week. Huntingdon senior Wyatt Popovich is today's featured student-athlete.

 By Audrianna Hargitt

Sports Information Assistant

Name: Wyatt Popovich   

Year: Senior

Hometown: Madisonville, La.

Major: Exercise Science  

Career Goals: Plans to become a physical therapist

Sport: Men's Basketball  

Athletic Accomplishments: Popovich played in 84 games during his four years at Huntingdon. He was named to the USA South Academic All-Conference team each season, is a three-time USA South Sportsmanship Award winner and was a team captain for the Hawks. As a junior, he led Huntingdon in 3-pointers made.

Academic Achievements and Campus Activities: In addition to being named to the USA South Academic All-Conference team, Popovich has been a Huntingdon Ambassador and Student Recruiter and is a member of Omicron Delta Kappa, the Student Alumni Association, SAAC and the Experts Club.

What made you feel like Huntingdon was the right place for you? "I realized it was a good mixture between academics and athletics. Everyone on the team was welcoming towards me."

What has made your Huntingdon experience unique? "I was able to be a collegiate athlete. I feel like that it special because not everyone is given that opportunity."

How has Huntingdon challenged you academically and athletically? "With practice and games throughout the week plus school work, it can be hard to balance. You have to be on top of your game in the classroom and on the court. I had to figure out how to have good time-management skills."

What has been your biggest highlight as a Huntingdon student-athlete? "I would say when I was chosen as a team captain. It was an honor for me because my team saw me as a good fit for that leadership position."

As a student-athlete, what is your impression of Division III now compared to your first season? "At first, I thought it would be guys who were all playing at about the same level. Once we started playing, I realized I had to get better and work harder as a Division III athlete."