At 17, Skyview High School quarterback Yaroslav Duvalko already has a mapped-out plan for his future.
He calls it a 40-year plan. It includes quarterbacking at Utah State, a school with which he plans to sign a letter of intent in December.
But it also includes football — a lesser-known sport in his Ukrainian heritage — by wanting to help others through fitness, training, and coaching for the game that’s provided so much.
“That’s going to be my calling,” the senior said.
So, too, is the sport Duvalko has crafted through dedicated, discipline and family characteristics passed down to him as an Ukrainian-American.
As a second-year Skyview starter, Duvalko looks to make the Storm (1-0) winners of 13 of their past 14 meetings with Columbia River (1-0) when the two teams meet Friday night at Kiggins Bowl. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.
When Duvalko heads to Utah State, he’ll be the first Skyview quarterback to sign with a top-tier Division I program under longtime coach Steve Kizer, the head coach said.
Duvalko, whose first language is Ukrainian, has never doubted himself, but the path to becoming a college-bound quarterback began in Southeast Portland a few years after learning English.
His parents always supported their son’s decision to play football, but understanding the sport didn’t come naturally.
His mother, Natalia Sakun, is from Ukraine’s capital of Kiev and came to the United States for medical school at the University of Buffalo. Father, Michael Duvalko, is originally from Toronto but whose family roots are in Ukraine’s Carpathian region.
With parents as immigrants, Yaro Duvalko doesn’t look far to find inspiration for hard work.
“You always hear about the American Dream; I know 100 percent my family has lived that,” said Duvalko, one of three children. “We have to work everything for what we have, and all three of us kids have done exactly that.
“None of us have come short for grinding for what we’ve wanted, and that’s the best thing my parents have instilled in me.”
That translates to football, too. Quarterbacks coach Eric Rice has been on Skyview’s staff under multiple roles since joining the school in 2007. In six years working with quarterbacks, Rice said Duvalko’s commitment, knowledge and game preparation is one of a kind. Duvalko worked to win the starting job in 2018.
“He’s known our offense inside and out since sophomore year,” Rice said. “There’s been no lingering doubt. Guys who know it best can play fast. He’s a fast processor and that comes from knowing it inside and out.”
The mental growth and strength is where Duvalko said he believes he’s made the biggest gains, and calls it the best part about playing quarterback. He threw for 2,710 yards and 26 touchdowns over 11 games last season to help the Storm back to the 4A state playoffs. In last week’s 33-13 win over Yelm, a 3A state quarterfinalist in 2018, Duvalko completed 17 of 24 passes for 292 yards and a touchdown.
“I have to know when to take charge,” he said. “You have to be a general.”
Duvalko proudly carries his heritage onto the football field. He dedicated last week’s game to his maternal grandmother, who he speaks to only in Ukrainian.
Two years ago, he traveled back to his family’s native country four times. With him was a foreign object with him — a football — and he taught his Ukrainian cousins how to throw spirals.
Eventually, teaching others the game that’s taught Duvalko so much is what he plans to do post-playing career. He wants to be a chiropractor and has a dream to open an all-in-one facility that includes physical therapy, speed and agility training, nutrition and coaching.
Just part of what he calls his 40-year plan through football.
“All the stars are aligning, and I just need to let time to its thing,” Duvalko said. “It’s definitely a dream turning into a reality.”
