Armstrong Grad Chooses Education over Junior Hockey

by Jonathan Weaver

Donovan Wichowski registered more than 50 points as a defenseman for the Armstrong Riverhawks varsity hockey teams, made the Class AA all-star team his senior year and led his team to consecutive playoff appearances.

He was tendered an offer to play with the Southern Tier Xpress ¬Junior Hockey team in Jamestown, New York and alongside his friend and former Freeport hockey player Hunter Kepple.

But, the Armstrong grad officially pushed the hockey accolades aside last week as he began classes at Mercyhurst North East, a junior college 20 minutes from main campus.

“I went (to New York) and tried out – thought it was really fun – but when it came down to it, I wanted to pursue my education more than just two years of hockey and start out as a freshman when I was 20 years old,” Wichowski said.

But, Wichowski isn’t giving up sports just yet.

While at Mercyhurst North East, Wichowski will earn a baseball scholarship.

“I had to think about it a little bit because it was two hours away from home, but I want to keep playing sports throughout my career so I want to give it a shot,” Wichowski said.

“And I get an education at the same time.”

For the past two years, Wichowski played outfield for the Worthington/Kittanning Mustangs of the Pal¬omino League.

Coach Vince Santelmo said Wichowski performed well during the season and during the season-ending tournament in Struthers, Ohio – registering a .455 batting average during the regular season and .421 during the season-ending tournament respectively. Those stats – and after Wichowski led the team in hitting - caught the attention of other coaches as well.

“The coach from Youngstown State University gave me the contact information for (Mercyhurst North East Head Coach Brandon Crum¬) and said (the school) would probably be a good fit for Donovan,” Coach Santelmo said. “He has the tools, a lot of talent, had a good tournament, impressed a couple coaches (and) was in the right place at the right time and got a shot. I think he’ll do well.”

At Mercyhurst North East, Wichowski is poised to study for his associate’s degree in biology before either transferring to the main campus 17 miles away or a Division I university if he stands out in baseball.

“I’m hoping to do really (well) at a (Division II) college and see how it goes, but the main thing I’m worried about is my education,” Wichowski said.

Coach Santelmo said he is also looking to follow Wichowski’s career at Mercyhurst North East.

If Wichowski does transfer to Mercyhurst’s main campus, ironically, the school sponsors a Division I hockey and club hockey team if he’s still interested.

Donovan’s brother, Zane – who also played as a defenseman for the RiverHawks – will study construction management this Fall at Kent State University in Ohio. But, Zane is not poised to play hockey at Kent State.