Cody Chupp: Hometown Hero
by Sandy Gholston, March 31, 2008
A famous quote reads, "Dreams are like stars. . .you may never touch them, but if you follow them they will lead you to your destiny."
Big Rapids native Cody Chupp was born and raised in the cradle of his own destiny -- the birthplace of the dreams that ultimately became his reality. Being granted the privilege of wearing the coveted Ferris State University crimson and gold jersey, and having become a true college hockey standout, Chupp has already had a major dream come true. Even more special, perhaps, Chupp's dream turned into reality in the place where it all started for him as a young child: right here in Big Rapids.
"Growing up in Big Rapids, it was always my dream to play for Ferris which was long before I realized even how probable that was," said Chupp, who sparked the Bulldogs this past season with 11 goals and 19 assists as a sophomore. "As a young kid, you don't really realize the amount of work it takes to get to this level. You just know that you want to be a college player. Having put in the work and being given a chance to be a Bulldog by the coaching staff is an honor.
"Being from (Big Rapids) just makes me that much more driven to perform to the best of my abilities every time I touch the ice," added Chupp, an elementary education major at Ferris who led the Bulldogs to an 18-16-5 record in the recently-completed 2007-08 season. "I want to represent my team and my town the best I can no matter if it's on or off the ice.
Now an assistant captain for the Bulldogs, Chupp knows to a large extent he is always on stage whenever he slides on that Bulldog hockey sweater -- whether in Ewigleben Ice Arena or anywhere else.
"Having my family in the stands means the world to me. . .They are my biggest fans and greatest supporters," said Chupp, who led the Bulldogs to a Top 20 national ranking and a sweep of rival Western Michigan in the first round of the league playoffs in Big Rapids (March 7-8). "I'm extremely thankful for the many sacrifices they have made in order to allow me to play hockey throughout my life. It's especially nice to have my dad there so that I don't have to explain each shift and play to him after the game on the phone since he is there watching. And, of course, my brother always offers his input on what move I 'should have done.'"
Chupp's family, including his parents Bart Chupp and Jill Caskey and his younger siblings, has long believed in him -- even as he endured some of the normal freshmen challenges first-year players battle through at the college level.
"My expectations, when I first arrived, weren't very high. . .I just wanted to stay in the lineup and get a chance to improve my game," said Chupp, who was a three-time Division III all-state selection at Big Rapids High School -- a team that plays its home games in Ewigleben. "To be honest, I really wasn't sure what to expect as far as the speed or skill level of the college game. Once I was able to get the first couple of games under my belt I knew I was capable of playing well at this level."
"I am happy with the way I've played my first two years but not satisfied," said Chupp, who has big plans this summer in Big Rapids -- including putting his famous strong work ethic to the test with another set of rigorous workouts. "I look forward to making myself better over the summer and (for) the opportunity next season (to see what the future holds) for myself and the team."
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