Eric Ruppel enters his fifth year as head coach of the Quincy University men's lacrosse program in 2023-2024.
Under the watchful eye of Ruppel, the Hawks weathered the storm of adversity that is commonplace among new programs, taking the first two campaigns as time to build a winning culture that has begun to take flight in the last two seasons. QU doubled its 2022 win total of four with eight victories in the 2023 season, ending the year at 8-9 for a new single season wins mark and new program records in practically every major statistical category along with the programs first win over an opponent receiving votes in the national poll, taking an 18-15 match over Lake Erie College on 2/12. In addition, the QU skipper has coached five All-GLVC selections as well as two James R. Spalding Sportsmanship Team Awards for outstanding sportsmanship and ethical behavior.
Ruppel came to Quincy from Adams State University where he served as the Associate Head Coach, and defensive coordinator of the program. At Adams Coach Ruppel coached 2 All RMAC selections, and 4 Honorable Mention selections along with 2 all academic selections.
Prior to his time at Adams he was the head coach at the University of Texas, Dallas. During his time at UTD he was the 2017 Lone Star Alliance conference coach of the year. At UT-Dallas he coached them to an undefeated division championship. UTD finished the season ranked 25th in the nation with 1 All American, 3 Academic All American Scholar Athletes, and 8 all conference selections.
Also in Dallas he was the Head Coach at Plano Sr. Hs. At Plano Sr. he coached the Wildcats to the 2017 State Semi-Finals finishing the season with, 5 All District Athletes, 1 All State athlete and a final ranking of 4th in state.
Prior to his time in Texas he coached in Las Vegas at UNLV, Centennial High School, Faith Lutheran High School, and the Las Vegas Starz organization.
Coach Ruppel has a masters in exercise science with an emphasis in strength and conditioning from Concordia University Chicago, an MBA from Ottawa University in Kansas, and a bachelors in physical education with a minor in Athletic Coaching from The University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
Coach Ruppel holds certifications of CSCS, D* and RSCC from the National Strength and Conditioning Association and sits on the board of NSCA Lacrosse Special Interest Group. He is a published author contributing to the NSCA Developing the Core series.
Coach Ruppel also works for Mexico Lacrosse as a coach for the Mexico National Olympic Sixes team that most recently placed 2nd in the Pan American Lacrosse Cup, while also acting as the sport performance director for the squad.
