The Chris Rurak Scholarship Fund, named in honor of the GHS hockey coach who died in 2020, has awarded a scholarship to William “Will” Noble, a member of the Greenwich High School class of 2021.
Will starts courses at UConn Stamford this week.
Will got to know Coach Rurak during his three years as the GHS Boys Hockey Team manager, attending both home and away games. He carried bags to the bus, set up the skate sharpener, made sure the hockey equipment was out once the team was benched, and made sure the players had water.
“Coach Rurak was like family to me, and so was the rest of his family and all the hockey team,” Will said.
He said he distinctly remembered how happy Coach Rurak was when his team defeated Darien to go to state finals.
“He was so happy and excited,” Will recalled. “If it wasn’t for Coach Rurak, the GHS hockey team wouldn’t have gone to state finals. It hadn’t happened in years”
As for the honor of receiving the scholarship, which took place during a recent luncheon, Will said he was still processing the good news.
The committee said Rurak loved having Will as part of his team as his manager. He valued his contribution and was grateful for all that he did to make sure the players were well taken care of. He also loved Will’s amazing sense of humor and spoke often about the laughs they shared together on the bus when they were traveling to games.
They said Will was selected to receive this year’s scholarship because he embodies so many of the characteristics that Coach Rurak valued. Specifically, his willingness to preserve and put in the work even when it isn’t easy.
“We extend our most sincere congratulations to Will for being selected for this distinguished honor,” the scholarship committee said, adding, “Coach Rurak led with his heart and believed that hockey was an incredible vehicle to teach life lessons. He recognized that the numbers on the scoreboard were just a small component of the game and felt that the most important outcomes were developing perseverance, leadership, and above all friendships.”
The organization is hosting their inaugural fundraiser at Cobber North on Saturday, September 25, from 6:00pm-10:30pm.
For information and to make a donation visit ChrisRurak.com
