In honor of their commitment to the community, athletics and academics, the NCAA has developed Division-III Week in order to recognize and celebrate student-athletes competing at DIII schools. From April 6-10, DIII schools across the country are participating in a variety of activities to show their pride. A complete list of the events going on at Juniata for DIII Week can be viewed here. In addition to these activities, each day two Eagles will be sharing their stories about choosing DIII and choosing Juniata. Friday’s featured athletes are junior Tzvia Cahn and senior Joe Bortak.
Tzvia Cahn (Women’s Swimming)
When junior Tzvia Cahn was selecting the right college for her, she was focused on academics. Her involvement with the swim team wasn't part of her original plan, but it's a decision she's happy she made.
“I came to school looking to focus on academics and extracurricular activities,” Cahn said. “I’m glad I decided to swim because I love the sport. I can compete and still focus on everything else I want to do.”
Cahn was drawn to Juniata because of its reputation as a strong academic college. The opportunities to research within each point of emphasis, for example, was something that helped her know Juniata was the right choice.
“The professors here are really interesting and offer a lot of knowledge to students,” Cahn said. “They’ve helped me grow a lot.”
While Juniata is a competitive college, academically and athletically, Cahn said that the students use that competitive drive to help each other succeed rather than bring each other down.
“Students really look out for one another around here,” Cahn said. “It’s a great community to be a part of.”
Being involved with the swim team gave Cahn the chance to develop life-long friendships.
“We have a small team, so we’re really close,” Cahn said. “We work well together and push each other to succeed.”
Joe Bortak (Men’s Volleyball)
Whether he was being recognized by the conference or breaking school records, it’s safe to say that senior Joe Bortak has had a memorable collegiate volleyball career. While the volleyball program helped lure Bortak to Juniata, it was his interest in science that sealed the deal.
“Having a strong foundation in academics and potential with athletics was something that was really important to me,” Bortak said. “Juniata ended up being a great fit for both.”
The small community that Juniata creates helps students in a variety of ways and the support it creates truly speaks to the character of the school.
“It’s a family atmosphere here,” Bortak said. “As far as the volleyball program is concerned, we’ve always been taught that we’re 19 as one. Every player contributes and every player is like a brother. We look out for each other.”
Bortak said the support the community gave the volleyball program when they made it to the national championship game last year is something he’ll always remember.
“Everyone was there,” Bortak said. “We didn’t come away with the win but seeing all the fans, parents and even President Troha here was something really special.”
Off the court, Bortak said the community helps to push students to challenge themselves academically.
“The professors really care and they open doors for your future,” Bortak said. “They make it a point to get to know you on a one-on-one basis.”