Biola University Athletics

HIGH SCHOOL
• Competed at Rio Hondo Preparatory in Arcadia, Calif.
• School did not sponsor water polo; trained and competed for eight years with Rose Bowl Water Polo Club
• Excelled as a multi-sport athlete, earning varsity letters in football, soccer, baseball, and track & field
• Two-time CIF Football Champion (2023, 2024) and State Regional Champion in 2024
• Served as a two-year football team captain, earning First-Team All-Gold Coast League and All-CIF recognition in 2024
• Named Second-Team All-Prep League in baseball in 2024 and 2025
• USA Water Polo Academic All-American in both 2024 and 2025
• Recipient of the National Football Foundation Scholar-Athlete Award, RHP Football Academic Excellence Award, and President’s Award for Educational Achievement

PERSONAL
• Born April 3, 2007 to Joel and Paula Tkach
• Plans to major in biological science and pursue graduate studies in marine biology, with aspirations to conduct research and possibly play professional water polo in Europe
• Has two sisters: Rebekah and Keira
• Comes from a Biola legacy family — grandfather Val competed in track & field at Biola, father Joel played soccer, and uncles John and Jim also played soccer at Biola
• Enjoys fishing in his free time
• Favorite Bible Verse: Isaiah 6:8
• Why I Chose Biola: “I believe it is a place I can truly grow my relationship with God, grow and compete as an athlete, and follow in the footsteps of many family members.”