American author Simon Sinek once said, “Great leaders don’t need to act tough. Their confidence and humility serve to underscore their toughness.” If that is the case, Park Christian sophomore Zack Kvalvog is as tough as they come. Zack recently led the Falcons boys’ basketball team to a 22-10 record, the school’s first 6A section championship, and an appearance in the Minnesota state tournament. Ask him about his success, however, and he instantly deflects the attention onto his teammates and coach. “Other people have helped me out a lot,” he said. “There are a lot of people I need to thank.” Humility is just one of the many traits that define Zack, but it is that unassuming nature that makes him so special.
Anyone who has ever been part of an organized team knows how important the right leadership is. Every team elects captains each year, teammates they feel display the best combination of skill, leadership, and poise. Most of the time, the players that are elected are upperclassman. It stands to reason that the traits necessary to lead are often found in those who are the most mature and experienced. It is a rare player that captures the respect of his/her teammates at a young age. Despite being just a sophomore, Zack was voted captain of the 2013-2014 squad by his teammates; a role he took very seriously. “I just try to set a good example with how hard I work,” he said. “I just really want to keep growing as a leader and as a player.”
During our interview, Zack didn’t respond to any question without crediting someone else first. When asked about being named captain, his first response was, “I need to thank my teammates for that. I am very blessed.” When asked about his personal and team success, Zack first wanted to credit his coaches and the many volunteers that helped the team. “Coach Inniger was a big part of that,” Zack said. “He really pushed us to strive to be the best we could possibly be.” Indeed, Erv Inniger knows more than his fair share of basketball. The winningest coach in NDSU men’s basketball history took over head coaching duties this year for the Falcons, returning to the sidelines after a 21 year absence. Inniger knows that he has a special player in Zack. “He is an extremely hard worker and goes way above what most athletes are willing to put in time wise,” Inniger remarked. “Nobody out works him on the team and nobody wants to go against him because he is a fierce competitor.” Inniger also knows how rare it is to be elected team captain as a sophomore. “He earned it not be what he said, but by what he did on and off the floor,” the coach explained. “He makes people around him better by the example he sets.”
It is that example that sets Zack apart off the court as well as on. He is the consummate teammate even to those he doesn’t play ball with. “Off the floor Zach is always helping others not just with basketball but with school work,” Coach Inniger said. “He actually tutored a player this year who was struggling in school.” Zack’s unselfish nature is a part of who he is, not just the player he strives to be. “I try to make the best decisions each and every day,” Zack said, “on and off the court.”
Though basketball is his biggest love, Zack also participates in several sports and extracurricular activities. A middle distance runner, Zack is currently in the middle of track season where he runs the ½ mile and 1 mile for the Falcons. In the fall, he will exchange his tennis shoes for cleats and play quarterback and defensive back for the football team. “I really just like all sports,” he said, adding that one will mostly likely find him skiing on an area lake this summer. “I like action.” Sports aren’t his only passion though, and his wide variety of interests is what makes him so well-rounded. “I also sing in the choir and play piano,” he said. “I’ve been playing since I was in 2nd grade.” Zack has been playing basketball since the 3rd grade, so it is safe to say that music was his first love. It can be rare to find a teenager with so many diverse interests; but once again, Zack Kvalvog isn’t a typical teenager.
Even though he is just a sophomore, Zack is already looking ahead toward the future. “I really want to play basketball in college,” he said. “I’m working as hard as I can to play at the highest level.” Based on the results of the 2013-2014 season, Zack is well on his way to accomplishing that goal. He finished the season with averages of 12.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 4.6 assists. As a point guard, the assist total is the most impressive. Point guards are frequently asked to forgo their own shots in favor of making those around them succeed. Zack’s success as a point guard and floor general is measured in that assist total. Across the entire state of Minnesota, only two other players averaged more assists than Zack, who was the only sophomore in the top ten. That is quite a feat considering how many high schools play basketball around the state. It is also a testament to Zack’s unselfish nature.
The future for Zack Kvalvog and the Park Christian Falcons looks bright. Even though the team will graduate four seniors, according to Zack they have “a great core group of guys returning.” Indeed, with Zack at the helm for the next two years, it looks like the Falcons are in good hands.
Moorhead’s Park Christian School was created in 1981 with kindergarten through eighth grade programming. In the spring of 1998, new construction began that helped to provide space for the school’s first high school class of ninth grade students. Today, Park Christian School is home to 383 students in grades K – 12 at the Moorhead Campus. More information on Park Christian School can be found at www.parkchristianschool.org.
