Ted Kolva adopted Berks as his home in the 1990s and has become a familiar, friendly face on and off the sporting field. As the general manager of Body Zone Sports & Wellness Complex, fitness is his business, but it isn’t a job – it’s his passion. He is equally enthusiastic about community (he’s a longtime board member of both the Olivet Boys & Girls Club and the Greater Reading Convention and Visitors Bureau) but his first-place all-star trophy goes to his family: his wife of 27 years, Chris; his son, Teddy, a student at Boston College; and daughters Caroline and Katie, who both attend Lancaster Country Day School.
Q | You’re not from Berks County, so how did you find your way here?
I grew up in Ohio, moved to New Hampshire when I was 10 and lived there through college. After graduation, I was director of athletics and men’s lacrosse coach at Manhattanville College in Westchester County, New York. I moved here in 1994 to be athletic director at
Wyomissing High School and was there until 2001, when I took on this role with Body Zone.
Q | Did you love sports as a kid?
Definitely. My father was athletic director at Plymouth State College in New Hampshire. I always traveled with his teams – along with my brother and sister – and sports were always a big part of our lives.
I played lacrosse at Denison University in Ohio during my undergrad years and got my master’s in athletic administration from Ohio State. I followed in my dad’s footsteps. I had great coaches growing up, so it was natural and rewarding to want to give back as a coach myself.
Q | What’s your favorite sport to play?
[laughs] These days, it’s golf. I gave up lacrosse after grad school because it’s rough on the body. Golf is the least physically challenging but is difficult mentally, and I enjoy that now.
Q | I’m guessing sports – lacrosse in particular – is a family affair in your house?
Absolutely. My son played it in high school and was a kicker on the football team, but now that he’s in college he has become very academic. Both my girls play lacrosse for Lancaster Country Day, which is where I coach. My wife is not a lacrosse player but is, however, an awesome supporter.
Q | Do you feel like you get to combine work and play every day?
Sure, and it’s really satisfying. Body Zone is unique; there’s no other place like it, and it’s a great opportunity for me to blend my passion for athletics and my background in economics. Coming from academia, it was a welcome challenge to focus on business matters, and I’ve really enjoyed how the facility has become a part of Berks. For example, I think it is great that Body Zone has been open long enough for people who first came in as teens to now bring their young children in to some of our tots programs – we’re part of their lives. I credit not only all that we have to offer, but our employees, of whom I’m proud. The staff is great at what they do, and we’re a happy bunch, and that shows to everyone who comes through our doors.
