On Saturday, Sept. 12, Ken Hupila, a 1971 graduate of Grand Rapids High School, was inducted into the school’s Sports Hall of Fame in recognition of his achievements in both football and baseball.
A three‑year letter winner in each sport, Hupila finished his prep career as Grand Rapids’ all‑time leading hitter, firmly establishing himself as one of the premier baseball players of his era.
Following graduation, Hupila continued his academic and athletic career at Mankato State University, where he earned two varsity letters in both baseball and hockey before graduating in 1975. While competing in hockey, he set a school record by recording 65 saves in a single game and tied number eight for all-time season shutouts.
He later attended the University of Minnesota, earning a degree in Physical Education and Coaching in 1977, and completed a Master of Education degree from St. Scholastica in 1999.
Throughout his 33 years at Ely Memorial High School, he coached football, hockey, girls’ gymnastics, volleyball, golf and baseball. His greatest coaching success came as head baseball coach, leading the Ely Timberwolves for 17 seasons and guiding the program to the 2000 Minnesota State Baseball Tournament.
Playing Career
Grand Rapids High School
Football – 2 letters
Baseball - 3 letters – captain senior year
Mankato State (now Minnesota State)
Hockey - 2 letters –Goalie individual records - #1 most saves in a game (65), Tied #8 all-time season shutouts (3)
Baseball - 2 letters
Coaching Career
Football:
Hopkins Lindbergh High School – assistant – 1 year
Ely Memorial High School –assistant - 5 years
Hockey:
Hopkins Lindbergh High School – assistant - 1 year
Babbitt-Embarrass Peewees - head coach – 1 year
Ely Memorial High School - assistant - 13 years; twice named MHCA Assistant Coach of the Year for Section 7A
Girls Gymnastics:
Babbitt-Embarrass High School – head coach – 5 years, Individual State Tournament participants all 5 years
Girls Volleyball:
Ely Memorial High School – head coach – 5 years
Baseball:
Grand Rapids VFW – head coach – 1 year
Grand Rapids Legion – assistant – 1 year
Ely Memorial High School – head coach – 17 years, State Tournament in 2000
Golf:
Ely Memorial High School – assistant – 7 years, numerous Individual State Participants (boys and girls), State Tournament Boys Team – 2008
