11 Herky Rupp

From the 1962 University of Kentucy Media Guide:

“One of the squad’s most determined individuals, 21-year-old Herky Rupp is back for a final season at proving himself capable in the sport he loves. Admittedly, the self-made son of Wildcat Coach Adolph Rupp does not have all the physical equipment and natural ability of some of his adversaries—both in the stable of thoroughbreds assembled by his father and talented opponents. But you’ll never hear a disgruntled word from Herky, a polite and quietly-efficient youngster who has seen only brief action as a varsity performer. One of his greatest attributes is a knack of doing things thoroughly and right to the fullest extent of his ability. As a freshman in 1958-59, he was an alternate forward starter and picked up 41 points. Two years ago, in his first varsity season, Herky found the going tough and scored just five points in 12 1/2 minutes of action. He was held out of competition last year as a junior to help his development and normally would have another season left besides the current one. But this campaign will be the last basketball competition for Herky who intends to graduate and continue his law studies. The 6-4 graduate of Lexington’s University High has above average maneuver-ability around the basket and could see more action in a reserve ca-pacity this year. Coach Rupp looks at the prospect this way: “If I think he can help us, he’ll play. If not, not even his mother could persuade me to use him.” Herky’s real name is Adolph Rupp, Jr., but he picked up the nickname as a small child.”

Obituary – Adolph “Herky” Rupp, son of legendary UK coach, dies at 75, Lexington Herald-Leader (June 24, 2016) by Morgan Eads

Adolph “Herky” Rupp Jr., 75, died Wednesday. He was the son of legendary University of Kentucky basketball coach Adolph Rupp.

He grew up around UK basketball and played three varsity seasons for his dad, scoring 11 points in 14 career games from 1959 to 1962.

“He was a great supporter of not only our basketball program, but myself and my family,” UK Coach John Calipari tweeted Friday afternoon. “I loved being in his company. . . . He was immensely proud and honored that his father was one of the great coaches of all time. He’ll be missed.”

Joe B. Hall, an assistant to Adolph Rupp before taking over as head coach at Kentucky, remembers when Herky Rupp was a little kid.

“He would go to Louisville with the players on the bus; he loved being around the Fabulous Five,” Hall said. “He was very young, maybe just 7 or 8.”

Rupp’s love of basketball continued long after his father retired from coaching. For several years he coached high school basketball at Atherton, Lafayette and Shelby County.

Herky Rupp eventually gave up coaching for farming. “That’s what he stuck with the rest of his life,” Hall said.

Throughout his different careers, Rupp always cared about UK basketball.

“When I took over, Herky was very supportive and I appreciated that,” Hall said.

Rupp had been fighting cancer for about 10 years.

“He was a very likeable young man, mild tempered. He was a good father and husband,” Hall said.

Herky Rupp was survived by his wife, Linda Ethington Rupp, a son, Adolph Frederick “Chip” Rupp III and wife, Cathy; a daughter, Farren Rupp Shrensker and husband, Brian; and six grandchildren, all of Lexington.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. June 29 at Milward funeral home on North Broadway in Lexington. Services will be at 11 a.m. June 30 at Centenary United Methodist Church, followed by his burial at Lexington Cemetery.