By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
Hays Middle School athletic director Bruce Rupp was honored Monday at the Hays USD 489 school board meeting.
He was named the Kansas Middle School Athletic Director of the Year by the Kansas Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association.
Rupp, who has worked for the Hays school district since 1991, will be officially recognized at a conference in March in Mulvane.
He has taught middle school social sciences and language arts, PE, weights and basic training, as well as Hays High psychology for concurrent college credit.
He's been the driver's education coordinator since 1995. Rupp was also the district's first high school softball coach, a position he had for 13 years. He's also been the HMS football coach for 20 years.
He's served as the HMS athletic director for 28 years and as the assistant principal for two years.
In 2016, Rupp received his certified athletic administrator license from KIAAA.
HMS Principal Tom Albers was not able to be at the school board meeting Monday night, but Superintendent Ron Wilson read written remarks from him at the meeting.
"Bruce Rupp is well-respected throughout the middle school athletic director community not only in our league but throughout the state," Albers said in his statement. "He excels in organization, is very budget conscious and is very middle school proud.
"He makes every coach, player, fan and event worker feel special when they attend a Hays Middle School event."
Albers said Rupp performs all of his duties professionally. There are many behind-scenes moments that the Hays community does not get to witness during which he "works his magic," Albers said.
Wilson said Rupp models the district's core values and is a champion for all kids.
"He brings his best every day and carries the banner for the district and sells kids on possibilities and opportunities for the future and at Hays Middle School," Wilson said. "He does things top shelf, and we are very proud to recognize Bruce Rupp tonight for this award."