Downingtown East鈥檚 Bo Horvath aiming for state titles in football and lacrosse
EXTON, Pa. — The benefits of athletes participating in multiple sports at the middle and high school levels are not always represented or encouraged as demands of one sport can overtake another, even during the off-season. However, more and more, collegiate programs and studies on lifelong health and activity recognize participating in various sports can improve athleticism, prevent injury and burnout, and provide an opportunity to evaluate which ones the athlete loves best. The balance of playing multiple sports is difficult during high school, and one athlete who is managing the challenges is Bo Horvath, a rising senior at Downingtown East High School.
Bo developed a love for the team camaraderie at a young age. He participated as a player for Marsh Creek Eagles Football and lacrosse with Lionville Youth Association (LYA) and was a Downingtown Thunder Wrestling Club member. He evolved to thrive in the competition, but it was always ignited by being part of a team.
As the years went on, Bo鈥檚 accomplishments amounted to many memory-making moments and achievements. Among his favorites is the CCLA championship with his 15U LYA in the 8th grade, something they strived to win for several years.聽 He went on to his first year at DEHS as a leading running back and outside linebacker with 15 touchdowns during an undefeated season. The same year, Bo was a varsity wrestler and starting midfielder on the lacrosse team. During his next two years of high school, his accolades included a Ches-Mont championship and PIAA State Qualifier titles in wrestling. He was a 1st team all-league and all-area honors in football (he rushed 1700 yards and had 14 TDs in 2021). After an amazing lacrosse season for the DEHS boys this spring season, Bo was named 鈥淯S Lacrosse All-American,鈥� the sport鈥檚 highest honor.
When asked about his regimen being a multi-sport athlete, Bo keeps his focus on goals and doesn鈥檛 stray from them. Time management is crucial, especially when staying on top of his academics. He learned to stay sharp with each sport’s different skill sets while remaining durable and adaptable and approaching challenges without fear. In keeping balanced with every sport he plays, it is helpful for Bo to have his father, Joe, who values nurturing athletes in multiple sports. He coaches soccer, wrestling, and lacrosse at Downingtown East High School, where he has been a teacher since 1997. Joe also recognizes the additional effort his son and other athletes put in behind the scenes. 鈥淚 think it is important for fans to know just how much effort goes into putting on a great athletic performance. We believe that great performances are built and not pulled out of a magic hat.鈥� One of his best moments coaching his son in lacrosse was the 鈥渃ome-from-behind, last-second鈥� 7-6 win over Wilson-Westtown last spring when Bo drove the game-winning assist. Joe also enjoys watching football from the stands “as a fan” when Bo and the kids he knows play since it is one he does not coach.
Bo has learned to deal with fatigue, as others do in any sport, and makes sure he still rests physically and mentally with time for himself.聽 He works at Marsh Creek State Park during the summers, and he finds it rewarding to nurture young nature enthusiasts on how to enjoy the environment safely. He loves to help young athletes realize their potential.
As he enters his senior year, Bo aims to win a District 1 and PIAA State title in football and lacrosse, respectively, with his teams. He acknowledges that DASD and our community take athletics seriously and is grateful for the support system and enthusiasm. Bo is excited to attend Lehigh University next fall, playing his favorite sport of the three, lacrosse, and be part of their growing tradition in the sport and its incredible academic program.
With all of his accomplishments, Bo could focus on his individual achievements. Still, for him, the value is all the hard work that led to success and the meaningful relationships created with teammates and coaches along his athletic path: 鈥淭hey will last my whole lifetime.鈥�
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