Balkovec’s character on display during hometown emergency

Nicholas Balkovec '19 has always been a great team player and one who is willing to help.

During a recent emergency incident in Pittsburgh on Easter Sunday, Nicholas rushed to an apartment building fire to offer his help to the Brentwood Deputy Chief of EMS Operations and his dad, John. A total of 12 people had to be rescued from the burning building.

"I'm proud of him as his father for all Nicholas did and did not have to do," said John. "He came to me and said, 'Dad, I am here, what can I do to help.'"

Nicholas proceeded to assist people from the building and retrieved any equipment needed for the EMS workers on site. He ran for water, medical supplies from ambulances, assisted patients to ambulances, and helped clean up the scene when it was all over.

Nicholas was a member of the Muskingum football team and helped anchor the offensive line. He was a daily grinder, and his efforts on and off the field helped the team achieve success.

"I'm very proud of Nicholas, and I am glad that I was able to coach him," said Muskingum Head Football Coach Erik Ieuter. "He was always a great teammate during his time at Muskingum. Nicholas was always a selfless, high-character Muskie, and it doesn't surprise me that he was willing to jump in and help!"

Nicholas graduated from Muskingum in 2019 with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice.