Louis Kovacs

Class of 1941 / Inducted 1980 / Football

Louis Kovacs is a native of Pocahontas, Virginia. The 1980 Emory & Henry Sports Hall of Fame inductee was a standout athlete on the gridiron and the baseball diamond.

Kovacs lettered in football for three years and baseball for two years. Kovacs was a Little All-American football star and was honorable mention All-State choice. He was invited to play professionally with the New York Giants, but World War II called most young men into service.

Kovacs was a member of Sigma Iota fraternity and president for 2 years while at E&H, and was also involved in the Calliopean Literary Society. He served the college years after graduation as a scout for Coach Conley Snidow during his tenure and he also assisted Pidney Porterfield in coaching during the war. Kovacs has also served the school as president of Lynchburg and Bristol E&H Alumni chapters.

Kovacs held a master’s of education from Southern Methodist University. He received his doctorate degree from the University of Tennessee and pursued a career in education at Pocahontas High School where he coached and taught football, baseball, and basketball. He also was supervisor and assistant superintendent of Russell County (Virginia) Schools and was principal of Highland View Elementary, Virginia Middle School, and Virginia High School in Bristol, Virginia. In 1967, Kovacs was a professor of education at Longwood University before his retirement after 30 years of service.

Louis Kovacs died at the age of 85.