After helping lead Kapaun Mount Carmel to a 12-1 record and a state championship last season, senior quarterback Cole Rapp is focused less on individual accomplishments and more on making the most of one final season with his longtime teammates.
For Rapp, the opportunity to compete alongside the friends he has played with for years is what makes his senior season special.
“The most exciting thing this season for me is me getting one last season with the friends that I have grown up with,” Rapp said. “We have been playing together since we were in fifth or sixth grade, and I’m excited to see what we can do as seniors.”
Rapp has spent the offseason sharpening the finer details of his game. He said much of his work has centered on improving timing with his receivers while continuing to build strength and speed in the weight room under strength coach Coach Tabor.
“This offseason I have been doing a lot of specific work with my wide receivers,” Rapp said. “A lot more detailed things when it comes to timing on routes. Also a lot of strength and speed training with our strength coach Coach Tabor.”
Developing chemistry throughout the offense has also been a priority, especially with new personnel in the backfield.
“One thing I really focused to work on was the chemistry with the wide receivers as well as with our backs,” Rapp said. “A new fullback is hard to just put in, especially when we run the option. It takes time to build that chemistry with them, and a lot of work has been put into that.”
Rapp enjoyed an efficient junior season, completing 61 of 96 passes for 1,012 yards, 11 touchdowns and just two interceptions. He also made an impact with his legs, rushing 58 times for 568 yards and 11 touchdowns.
His performance earned him all-state and all-city honors while helping Kapaun Mount Carmel capture the state championship.
Despite those accomplishments, Rapp’s goals for his senior season remain team-oriented.
“First of all, to win state again — that is always going to be our goal — as well as win City League and beat our rival Bishop Carroll,” Rapp said. “As for individual, I am not worried about stats. I want to be the best leader I can be for my team. My job as QB is to get wins and control the game. I try not to worry about all the stats.”
Looking beyond high school, Rapp hopes to continue his athletic career at the collegiate level. Whether that comes in football or basketball will depend on how his senior year unfolds.
“As for my future, I do plan to go play either college football or college basketball depending on how my senior season goes,” Rapp said. “For my career, I want to go into finance for my major and not too sure from there.”
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