Former Titan football player Bob Koval will be honored on Jan. 3 when he receives the prestigious John Conti Letterman of Distinction Award from the UDM Athletic Department.
The award will be made during UDM's Horizon League basketball game against Cleveland State at Calihan Hall. The game has been designated as Football Alumni Day.
The John Conti Award was established by Anheuser-Busch to honor its long-time employee upon his induction into the Titan Hall of Fame in 1984. Conti was the captain of the 1949 U-D football team that won the Missouri Valley Conference Championship. At 6-1 and 300 pounds, he was an Honorable Mention All-American and the biggest man in college football. His spirit and charitable enthusiasm have always seemed to be even larger. In tribute to that spirit, the John Conti Letterman of Distinction Award is presented to former Titan varsity athletes who go above and beyond at work and in the community. Koval is a reflection of those characteristics, much like the Award's first recipient, legendary Titans coach Bob Calihan, and the honorees who have followed him.
"I think Bob is a great person to receive this award," Conti said. "I don't think you can find many people who have been more loyal to the University and the community over the years. I'm looking forward to this year's presentation."
Koval played football for U-D from 1961 to '63, as lineman on offense and linebacker on defense, and was inducted into the Titans' Sports Hall of Fame in 1988. He was considered one of the nation's best college linemen as a senior and was chosen U-D's Most Valuable Player at the end of the season. He was also named to the 1963 Catholic All-America Team before signing a professional contract with the Buffalo Bills.
Koval received his BS in 1965 and his MBA from U-D two years later.
“The Jesuits and the University of Detroit, and now UDM, have played a very important role in my life,” Koval said. “Academically, they took a chance with me and gave me many opportunities to be successful. I'm very thankful to the Jesuit 'community.'”
He and his wife Patti have five children and nine grandchildren. Over the years, Koval has served on the University's College of Business Administration Advisory Board, and is a member of the President's Cabinet and Titan Club.
Within the community, Koval is Chairman of the Board of Angels Place, and previously served in the same role for Guest House. He is also a member of the board of directors of Loyola High School.
"Titan Athletics, the UDM family and his work in the community have been very important to Bob over the years. I think he is a wonderful representation of what John Conti and this award are all about," UDM athletic director Keri Gaither noted.
-Detroit Titans-
