University of California Athletics

Rupert and his twin brother John were 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 1953. The tandem was an NCAA semifinalist in 1951 and quarterfinalist in 1952 and 1953. Won the 1952 Doubles Heart of America tournament and the 1953 Eastern Intercollegiate title. They were finalists in the 35 hard-court championships following graduation in the mid-1960s. Both also started three years on the Cal basketball team and were co-captains on Cal's 1953 team that won the PCC title. They 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 1959. Both have been extremely active in the Bear Backers and other alumni groups. They served on Cal's Executive Committee for the Haas Pavilion Capitol campaign. Rupe served as chairman of Friends of Cal Tennis for several years. Both have also served as Alumni Council members. They were co-recipients of the Bear of the Year award by Intercollegiate Athletics in 1997.