Rupp named HCAC Male Athlete of the Month
Senior quarterback Chad Rupp was named HCAC Player of the Month for September on Tuesday.
In the history of this award, only two different Franklin male athletes have received the honor. Rupp also won the award in September 2006.
“It is a great feeling to be honored by the conference and a tribute to everyone that I play with,” he said.
In September, Rupp led the Grizzlies to a 2-1 record — now 3-1 after beating Defiance in the HCAC opener — by completing 61.8 percent of his passes.
He had 76 completions in 123 attempts with only two interceptions. He threw for 1,005 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Rupp was ranked fifth in the nation for Division III in passing yards per game with 335 in September. He was ninth in total offense (321.0) and 32nd in passing efficiency (154.0). He led the HCAC in all three categories, as well as touchdowns.
The award, in its fourth year, is voted on by the sports information directors of each member institution.
According to head coach Mike Leonard, Rupp will only improve. He said Rupp has been too hard on himself trying to exceed expectations, and is only now starting to relax and play within the context of the team.
“He is doing quite well, though,” Leonard said.
Rupp said all of teammates earned a share of the award.
“This award should be given to the whole team and not myself,” he said.
