In a school like Gaffney that has so much football history and tradition, in any given year there is plenty of exceptional talent on the roster. This year, one senior in particular, has risen to the challenge to be among the best in the state at his position – Linebacker Andrew Ruppe.
Ruppe is a third-generation talent for the Indians from a pedigree that includes his grandfather, who played back in the 1960s, and his father, Alex, who played Nose Tackle back in the early 90s. No doubt that his lineage brought about some big expectations for him, but Andrew hasn’t let the pressure get to him. Instead, it has prepared him for the opportunity he has in front of him and helped him develop into an outspoken leader on the team.
“I’ve been playing sports for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I played football, baseball, and basketball – mostly just because it was just for fun. As I grew older, I fell in love with football and chose to specialize in it. But, I still have sports-related hobbies that have helped me with my development as a football player and leader such as golf and weightlifting. I fell in love with weightlifting through football, which really challenges me to push myself to a new level. Golf has taught me a level of patience that I never knew I had as well as how to be calm and collected when doing something so intricate”, said Ruppe.
Andrew certainly has developed a reputation for being a player that likes to give it 100% in everything he does.
“Andrew is a throwback football player. He enjoys the physicality of the game. Sometimes you have to hold him back in practice, and he does not like it. He likes to play and see who is the last man standing. He is a man’s man. His linebacker coach Kevin Phillips told me you better be sure of what you coach him to do because that is exactly what you are gonna get. On top of being a good coachable player, he is a good student that is well-liked by both his teachers and his classmates”, said Gaffney Head Coach Dan Jones.
Brock Hamrick, who you may know as the “Voice of the Indians” on the radio as well as the sports editor for the Cherokee Chronicle, echoed that sentiment.
“Andrew is one of the most competitive players I have ever met. He gives his all on every snap and is a true leader on the team. As a third generation standout, he embodies the pride and tradition of Indian Football.”
Ruppe takes the pride and tradition at GHS very seriously and is also one of his favorite things about it.
“One thing I love about Gaffney is the brotherhood and the fanbase. The brotherhood and camaraderie of the team is on another level. We hold each other accountable for everything and build each other up everyday. As far as the fanbase goes, The City of Gaffney centers around high school football and the fans definitely show up and show out. Seeing the whole city show up in Columbia to see us play for the state championship my Freshman Year will always be one of my favorite memories. Gaffney is known for how good the football program is. Coach Jones has taught me a ton over my 4 year career, but one of the biggest is that Gaffney is going to be there long after me, so I need to make an impact while I am there and make them remember me. The past few years, we have fallen short of the expectation of winning the state championship. I want to bring them another one. We always have a real shot at winning the title, and that keeps me going”, Andrew said.
While the support of his team and hometown may make them all feel like one big family, it is his immediate family that has had the most significant impact, particularly his father.
“My family has always been there for me. My dad has taught me football ever since I was a little kid. He is the one who got me into football and showed me what it really meant. He always told me to push myself and never give up, which is advice I would give to any aspiring young player. If you continue to push yourself, you will get better and better, eventually becoming the best version of yourself.”
Andrew’s senior season is far from over, as Gaffney is the number 2 overall seed in the 5A Division II playoffs. But, even if the season doesn’t end in a state championship, he already has his future plans in place.
“After high school, I plan on going to college to study Construction Engineering. I do have a couple of college offers from local schools including Limestone, Wingate, and Newberry”, said Ruppe.
Andrew’s senior season will also be extended a week regardless of whether or not the Indians make it to the state final with his selection to the North-South game on December 21st (now called the Touchstone Energy Bowl) in Myrtle Beach – an honor he doesn’t take lightly.
“It’s a true blessing to be picked for the North-South game. I thank God and my family for everything. It means a ton to be able to represent Upstate South Carolina and Gaffney High School.”
Andrew and the Indians are set to start their playoff push after a first round bye next week as they wait to host the winner of Greenville vs Riverside on November 22nd.
