University of the Pacific

A leader and tenacious competitor, Greg Koperek is inducted tonight into the Pacific Athletics Hall of Fame.
 
Regarded as one of the most successful athletes in program history, Koperek played an integral role for the Tigers during his four years with the program. Selected as an All-American in 1988, the defensive back was named captain of the Tigers squad and the Douglass S. Vieira Most Valuable Player in 1989 despite playing a majority of the season with a broken wrist. Koperek would go on to finish his career at Pacific with 10 total interceptions. Also serving as the Tigers' punt and kick returner, Koperek returned 29 kicks and averaged 20 yards per kick return, including 10.4 yards per return in 1988.
 
The three-time All-Conference selection also set two single-season records during his time with the Tigers, tallying 6 interceptions in 1989 and returning 17 kick-offs for 342 total yards in 1988. He also had 153 tackles in 1988 and led the team in interceptions and tackles in 1989.
 
Despite the injury, Koperek always proved to come back strong on the field. Ultimately, this courage was recognized when he won the Tully C. Knoles Ironman Award, which was given to a player who exemplifies the desire for perfection in all activities despite physical limitations. 
 
Koperek said he had an amazing experience as a student-athlete at Pacific where he got to compete in the sport he loved, continue his education and meet his future wife. Greg is currently a regional sales engineer for Johnson Controls Inc.