March 7, 2008
More than a decade ago, veteran NFL tight end Jay Novacek caught five passes for 50 yards and one touchdown in the Dallas Cowboys' 27-17 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XXX. It was the last game of his 11-year career that featured 422 receptions and more than 4,000 receiving yards.
Just months before that 1996 Super Bowl, Jay's brother, Jim, moved his family to the Steel City. At the time it was unknown that the Novacek name would once again appear in Pittsburgh-area sports pages, only this time not as an enemy.
Young twin sisters Joyce and Becky, two of Jim's four daughters, were the Novaceks whose names would grace the papers in the mid-2000s for their exploits on the basketball and volleyball courts.
Both Joyce and Becky had a hand in a number of sports from the time they were young enough to remember. Joyce ended up focusing on basketball and track and field, while Becky was a standout volleyball, basketball and track and field athlete.
Joyce and Becky led their Hopewell High School basketball team to back-to-back state championships and a four-year mark of 98-18, including 61-5 the last two seasons.
"It (winning consecutive state titles) was really exciting, especially doing it with my twin sister," recalls a smiling Joyce.
While the pair spent much of their childhood sharing a bedroom, they decided to split up when choosing both colleges and sports. Becky headed west from their Aliquippa, Pa., home to Dayton to play volleyball. Joyce went east to play basketball at Bucknell.
"I miss playing basketball with Becky, but I am proud of her for going to Dayton," says Joyce. "It's hard being apart, but with communication the way it is now we talk every day.
"Playing basketball in college is a whole new level," Novacek comments. "There is a big difference between high school and college, but my teammates have helped me adjust."
Novacek has been tutored by fellow post player and reigning Patriot League Player of the Year Hope Foster.
"I am thankful I get to play with Hope," Novacek mentions. "It will really help me in the long run. I get to practice against really good defense and that can only help me improve. In high school Becky and I would often be on the same team, so the people defending us would be junior varsity players and they didn't offer much competition."
The improvement has come at the same time Novacek's parents have been able to see her play in person. During the fall, Julie and Jim would often make the four-hour drive to Dayton to watch Becky. But, with the conclusion of her rookie season, they have had more time to watch Joyce.
The ability of her family to come watch her play was one of many advantages in Bucknell's column for Novacek when choosing which college to attend.
"Bucknell started recruiting me early and I really like the academic reputation and the basketball program," remembers Novacek.
Throughout the Patriot League season, Novacek had her sights set on helping the team improve.
"I just want to contribute to the team in any way I can and improve my skills and abilities," says Novacek. "Our team has high goals and I want to help us achieve them."
If she follows the lead of her famous uncle, Novacek should have no problem helping the Bison. After watching Jay win three Super Bowls, including one over her hometown Steelers, Joyce should have no problem coming up big should preseason favorite Bucknell advance to the Patriot League Championship Game for the first time since 2002.
