AP Photo San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, left, celebrates offensive tackle Colton McKivitz after the NFC Championship game on Jan. 28.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The Times Leader presents a look back at the past year this week with Eastern Ohio’s Top 10 stories of 2024, as selected by the newspaper’s editorial staff.

IN JANUARY, a Union Local High School and West Virginia University graduate made it to the top tier of his profession with his appearance in Super Bowl LVIII.

Colton McKivitz was in his fifth year in the NFL after being drafted in the fifth round (153rd pick overall) of the 2020 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers. The starting right tackle found himself among a slate of industry greats.

“You walk through the halls and see names like Jerry Rice, Joe Montana, Steve Young on the walls, you just feel the presence of those guys. The aura of the franchise hits you when you open the door,” the 6-6, 301-pounder told The Times Leader.

“The only thing that matters to people out there are the six Super Bowl trophies. That is the goal of every member of the 49ers. There’s a lot of pressure because you are wearing the SF, but the faithful are behind us and it’s a great opportunity to play for a franchise like San Francisco.”

During the 49ers’ push to the Super Bowl, McKivitz played such an integral part that he was the recipient of the Bobb McKittrick Award, which is given annually to the 49ers offensive lineman who best represents the courage, intensity and sacrifice displayed by the longtime offensive line coach, during his 21 years of service to the 49ers. The award was established by the 49ers in 1999, and is voted on by the offensive line.

“Very special. It’s awesome. The award is voted upon by teammates and then the coaching staff, as well,” McKivitz acknowledged. “Being selected for that is a big deal. People see what you are doing.”

He performed in his first season as a starter in 2023, the 27-year-old knows what he has to do.

“I’ve also got some pretty hefty goals for myself,” he said. “It’s all about getting better every year and to have my name on the wall for a franchise like the 49ers.”

The local area celebrated along with McKivitz and cheered him and his team on.

Members of the East Richland Friends Church gathered to celebrate the “super” accomplishment of one of their own — McKivitz is a 2015 graduate of Union Local High School who spent his freshman year of high school as a student at East Richland Christian School. He later went on to star on the West Virginia University football team and was a fifth-round pick of the Niners in the 2020 NFL Draft.

The church organized a Super Bowl party in the gymnasium of the Ickes Family Life Center, complete with a large projection screen viewing of 49ers’ contest against the Kansas City Chiefs. There was also a big cake congratulating McKivitz.

Among those present were Joan Lepic, one of McKivitz’ advisors and teachers at Union Local High School. Accompanying her was her husband Ron Lepic, who was his Sunday school teacher at the church.

“I’m just supporting Colton and the fellowship of the church,” Ron Lepic said. “It was the fourth-graders that I taught, and he was one of the fourth-graders.

“When the boys were there, he was ornery with the rest of them.”

Lepic still teaches Sunday school at the church.

Joan Lepic was McKivitz’ advisor in the National Honor Society, as well as his class advisor.

“He was very nice, and very respectful,” she said. “He did his work in school, and did what he needed to do. I appreciated that.”

Union Local organized its own watch party, welcoming the public to view the game on campus.

A pep rally and potluck-style meal were offered.

Another watch party was held at The Pike 40 restaurant just east of Morristown. The Union Local Touchdown Club hosted a watch party at Route 40 LumberJaxe, the Centerville Senior Center/Smith Township Community Center hosted a Super Bowl Party with a cornhole tournament, Euchre, a 50/50 drawing, Super Bowl square boards and children’s activities. Any proceeds went to the community center and a charity of McKivitz’s choice.

In the end, the Chiefs bested the 49ers 25-22.