SVHS Senior Spotlight: Nick Savant

By Richard Hafner

Saucon senior Nick Savant first played football in a flag league when he was six years old. Reflecting on his two full varsity years at Saucon Valley, the 5'9” 180-pound RB/DB described them this way: “[The] best four years of my life."

Savant added that he has made "many great memories with the best coaches and teammates."

Head football coach Matt Evancho called Savant "a fantastic leader and player."

Evancho added: "He always sets the bar high for himself and the team. Nick is a very humble person and gives credit to his teammates for his success."

Nick—who was recently named the Express-Times' 2013 Football Player of the Year—saved an amazing career highlight for Friday, Nov. 15, which was his final game as a Panther running back.

Savant rushed for 264 yards, scoring a touchdown in each quarter on runs of 26, 2, 21 and 45 yards and catching a 10-yard touchdown pass in overtime to propel Saucon Valley to the Eastern Conference Class 3A Title in a thrilling 50-49 overtime victory over James M. Coughlin High School in Wilkes-Barre. Nick was also named Overall Player of that game.

Some of his other 2013 milestones include:

 —Coordinated Health Athlete of the Week for Nov. 19
 —Express-Times Player of the Week for Nov. 8
 —Morning Call Athlete of the Week for Nov. 19
 —Mini Maxwell player selection
 —First Team 2013 Colonial League All-Star running back
 —Panther Football MVP award

Nick set these Saucon Valley High School rushing/personal career records:

—Single Season Rushing Record - 2,135 yards
—Career Rushing Record - 3,612 yards
—Season Touchdown Record - 31
—Career Touchdown Record – 43
—Rushing TDs in a season - 28
—Rushing TDs in a career - 39
—Points in a season (186) and in a career (258)

Nick said his biggest disappointment was the misfortune of breaking his collarbone the day before the first game in his sophomore year.

During his presentation at the Fall Sports Recognition Ceremony in November, Coach Evancho recalled how he stunningly learned of that injury via a phone call from Nick. One can only imagine what those final stats might have been if Nick could have played a full season in 2011.

Nick lists his father as the person he most admires and said Barry Sanders is his favorite professional player.

He expects to play football at the collegiate level and would like to become a physical therapist.

Nick is a member of the National Honor Society. Science is his favorite subject and BBQ chicken is a favorite food. In his spare time, he likes to hike or swim.

Nick expressed his gratitude to his brother Matt, sister Sarah, and parents Lou and Gina Savant for all their support.

Photos by Richard Hafner