Class of 1995

Ralph Krupke,

Lake Park, Contributor

Ralph began his career at Rockton-Hononegah High School as a football player. At Northern Illinois University, he participated in both football and Wrestling. His Wrestling achievements were 2nd, 3rd and Champion in the Illinois Athletic Conference and Wheaton College Champion. He graduated with his BA in 1955. That year he was the Assistant Football Coach at Beloit College. He later received his MA from NIU - 1959.

He started teaching-coaching at the high school level at Lake Park in 1959, retiring in 1994 - a total of 35 years. He was the Head Wrestling Coach for 3 years; Assistant Wrestling Coach; Assistant Track; AssistantFootball. He became their Athletic Director in 1964, up to retirement. His contributions have been significant: Bench Official in Charge at the IHSA State Meet - 32 years; years in same capacity at the National Junior College Championships; Regional Manager for Division I at Northern Illinois; Floor Manager for 1970 Nationals at Northwestern.

He has received many awards: Youth Service Award from Lake Park; Annual Wrestling Tournament at Lake Park named "The Ralph Krupke Invitational"; Friend of Wrestling in 1985; IADA Outstanding Athletic Director 4 times; Highest Award as Athletic Director of the Year in 1983; National Council of Secondary ADA Award in 1984; Midwest AD of the Year in 1984, National Federation Citation for 1984, and IWCOA Administrator of the Year in 1992.

He has been President of the High School Association, served as Assistant Clerk of course for the IHSA State Track Meet from 1966-92, and has been an advisor to local park district and police and fire training programs. A Hall of Fame Inductees Official of the Year and he was named the IWCOA Official of the Year in 1987 and 1989.

In 1997 the IWCOA named him as a "Friend of Wrestling". In 1977 Dave was named Teacher of the Year in the Woodridge School District.