KUTZTOWN, Pa. – This weekend, sophomore Jerry Kapp (Barto, Pa./Boyertown) of the Kutztown University football team was supposed to be across the country in the city of angels enhancing his leadership skills and beliefs as a collegiate student-athlete. That's because Kapp was selected to participate in the NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Forum in Los Angeles, Calif., slated for April 16-19.
 
Unfortunately, like athletics at all levels, this event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While Kapp's 'dream trip' did not happen as planned, his skillset, not only on the gridiron but in the classroom and the community, will surely allow him another opportunity at showcasing himself and Kutztown University as a whole.
 
Kapp was nominated by the Kutztown University athletic department, and following his application reaching the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) office, was selected as one of just three student-athletes from the conference schools in all sports to attend the forum.
 
"It really meant everything to me to have been selected to represent Kutztown and the PSAC at the leadership forum," said Kapp. "I could never have done it without my coaches pushing me to be a member of SAAC and coach [Liz] Parkins for giving me a ton of opportunities, such as this one, to be a leader. What I was most excited for was meeting new people and being able to really build on my skillset, not only my leadership skills. I was also excited for the whole experience. Being in LA for three days is a dream come true for a lot of people and I was excited to take it all in and make it an unforgettable trip. I am hoping to be able to have the opportunity to do it again in the future."
 
The requirements for the nominees must include:

• Student-Athlete must have athletics eligibility and be participating in a NCAA-sponsored sport during the 2019-20 academic year.
• Student-Athlete must be in good academic standing according to institutional requirements.
• Demonstrate the ability or strong desire to lead. 
• Must participate in all activities during forum. 

 
From the NCAA website on the forum: "The NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Forum, created in 1997, has served as a life-changing experience for more than 5,000 student-athletes who have grown personally and professionally as a result of their attendance. Student-athletes selected to attend the forum return to campus with invaluable leadership skills, a refined understanding of the relationship among personal values, core beliefs and behavioral styles, and the support of a close personal network of like-minded peers to provide continued connection and dialogue after the program concludes. This best-in-class programming experience serves as a transformational opportunity for student-athletes and administrators to build a leadership toolkit and develop vital self-awareness that allows them to realize their potential."
 
Kapp arrived on campus last spring after transferring from fellow PSAC member Seton Hill University. Like many young adults, he wanted to be closer to home and have his family see his games.
 
"Kutztown felt like home the moment I walked onto campus and I wish I came here from the start," Kapp said. "I'm looking forward to impacting as many people as I can throughout my time at KU, and to keep developing as a leader on and off the field."
 
In just his first action in Maroon and Gold last fall, Kapp emerged as a threat in Kutztown's high-powered offense that ranked fourth in the PSAC in scoring (35.5 ppg) and total yards (449.4), and fifth in passing yards (272.6). He finished the 2019 season with 32 receptions for 462 yards and five touchdowns, while also throwing for a score. Kutztown went 11-2 overall (tied for most wins in program history), winning the PSAC East Division title and advancing to the NCAA Second Round for just the third time ever.
 
"This season was a great one for sure," said Kapp. "For me individually this season went a lot better than expected. I just wanted to contribute in some way whether it was on special teams or as a wide receiver. I was able to do both and I accredit my individual successes to my coaches and teammates for believing in me from the start and giving a mid-year transfer student-athlete a shot. To be part of an NCAA playoff team was something I will never forget, I am excited to get back at it."
 
Kapp, like most of his Kutztown University classmates, is looking forward to getting back onto campus and continuing his time as a student-athlete.