Rupp, Rupp and Away

Texas sophomore catcher Cameron Rupp had played baseball in Omaha before, but this time it was a little different.

Rupp, a Prestonwood Christian Academy alumnus, participated in youth tournaments in Nebraska as a 9- and 10-year-old, but this time he made it to Rosenblatt Stadium with a chance at winning an NCAA National Championship at the 2009 College World Series.

“Playing there was everything I thought it would be,” Rupp said. “It was a dream come true.”

Rupp’s dream didn’t have a happy ending though as Texas lost to LSU in the decisive game of the teams’ best-of-3 championship series.

“There is no shame in losing to LSU, they showed they were the best program in the country,” Rupp said. “Some people expected them to crush us, but we showed we could play with them.”

The loss to LSU came two years after Rupp’s then-undefeated Prestonwood squad lost to Dallas Christian in the 2007 TAPPS State Championship.

“Two years ago Cameron was a huge part of our team entering the state title game undefeated at 31-0,” said Mike Maack, Lions head coach. “Losing the championship game was gut-wrenching and something that stuck with all of us for quite some time. I think Cameron experienced similar, if not worse, feelings after losing the (College World Series) title game. This game was on such a bigger stage nationally, but the feelings of defeat are the same.”

While Rupp’s season ended in defeat, he established enough memories during the postseason alone to fill an entire baseball career.

Things began in the regionals, where Texas and Boston College engaged in a 25-inning game that was the longest in college baseball history. The Longhorns pulled out the 3-2 victory after more than seven hours of baseball. Rupp and Eagles counterpart Tony Sanchez caught the entirety of the game.

“That was the longest game ever,” Rupp said. “I didn’t think it was ever going to end; it just kept going on and on and on…”

After winning the regional and then defeating Plano West-ex Jason Coats and TCU in the super regional, Texas headed to the College World Series. But Rupp wouldn’t be the only Prestonwood alumnus making the journey to Omaha as Arizona State freshman Jordan Swagerty, another key component on the Lions 2007 squad, would be competing for a national title as well.

Having a pair of players on college baseball’s biggest stage compelled Maack to make the trek to Nebraska.

“When I first knew that at least one of them was going to be in Omaha I made up my mind that I was going to be there to watch them play at least one game,” he said. “This was my first trip to Omaha; when I was a college coach I made a vow that I would never go to Omaha unless it was with a team I was coaching. Since I am no longer coaching at the college level, the next best thing was to go with my son to watch former players play. The experience was one that I will remember for the rest of my life; not only did I get to watch one player, but to have two players on different teams playing against each other was extra special.”

Maack’s scheduling couldn’t have gone any better as he was there for the Texas-Arizona State game.

“It was a tough game to sit through,” Maack said. “Because I was rooting for both of them to have success.”

But while Maack claims to have been neutral, Rupp had a different take on the situation.

“I called coach Maack after the game and told him I had a bone to pick with him because he was wearing an Arizona State shirt,” Rupp said with a laugh. “He said the Swagertys gave him tickets to the game and a parking pass, but told him he had to wear an Arizona State shirt to the game. Now, I’m going to make sure I fill his office with nothing but burnt orange.”

Swagerty came on in relief against Texas during the game and soon found himself face-to-face with his former teammate. There were no fireworks though as Rupp drew the walk.

“It was a pretty neat experience,” Rupp said. “But I told Jordan after the game I was mad at him for not throwing me any strikes.”

Swagerty proved to be smart in that regard as Rupp hit two home runs in that game and would hit another when the two squads had a rematch just days later.

“Jordan and he said he had seen swings like those too many times,” Rupp said. “And then he told me he liked those swings a lot better when we were on the same team.”

Texas would eliminate Arizona State to advance to the finals of the College World Series. Maack was not in attendance for the second game between the two teams, but he was a part of a sizable Lions contingent that gathered at Prestonwood for a watching party.

“I had mixed emotions in that game,” Maack said. “I felt bad for Jordan and his tournament experience coming to an end, but on the other hand I was extremely excited for Cameron that he now had a chance to help Texas win a national championship.”

Rupp’s performance against the Sun Devils got the draft buzz hyped up to levels not seen since Rupp was selected as a high school senior. Rupp will be eligible for the 2011 Major League Baseball Draft.

“I know it’s coming up next year,” Rupp said. “But I’m not thinking about that just yet, I’m more excited about the team we have coming back.”

Both Rupp and Swagerty have professional baseball aspirations, but each may very well be headed back to Omaha before they go to the big leagues.

“Having two players participating in this College World Series has been a highlight of my career,” Maack said. “Not only are they obviously good baseball players, but they are both good people as well. Both of them played integral parts in the success of their teams and I think both have a great chance of leading their teams back to the College World Series next year.”

And if that happens …

“You can bet I'll find a way to be there again,” Maack said.

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