University of California Athletics

Along with his twin brother John, was superb two-sport stars at Cal during the early 1950s … both were NCAA quarterfinalists in NCAA singles, Rupe in 1951 and John in 1953 … Rupe also made it to the NCAA round of 16 in 1952 and '53 … as a tandem were NCAA semi-finalists in 1951 and were quarter-finalists in '52 and '53 … won the 1952 Doubles Heart of America tournament and the '53 Eastern Intercollegiate title …  … the pair were finalists in the 35 hard court championships following graduation in the mid 60s … both also started 3 years on the Cal basketball team and were co-captains on Cal's 1953 team that won the PCC title … both were co-recipients of the Jake Gimbel Award (excellence in athletics and academics) in ‘53 … both also stayed on at Cal as freshman coaches in 1954 … Rupe was assistant coach under Pete Newell from 1957-59, including Cal's NCAA title team in '59 … both have been extremely active in the Bear Backers and other alumni groups …  served on Cal's Executive Committee for the Haas Pavilion Capitol campaign … Rupe has served as chairman of Friends of Cal Tennis for five years and … both have also served as Alumni Council members … both were co-recipients of the Bear of the Year award by Intercollegiate Athletics in 1997.