RIPON, Wis. - Troy DeVoe '02 is arguably the greatest running back in Ripon College Football history. He ranks seventh in Midwest Conference history for career rushing yards with a school record of 4,117, while scoring 39 rushing touchdowns, which is tied for second in school history. Also the school record holder for all-purpose yards (4,524), DeVoe is a three-time First Team All-Conference selection and was named Wisconsin Football Coaches Association (WFCA) Private College Player of the Year as a Senior in 2001. He was inducted into Ripon's Athletics Hall of Fame in 2013.

"Troy is one of the most humble players I've ever had the pleasure to coach, and he let his actions speak for themselves. Troy never tooted his own horn and always gave credit to his teammates. When he fumbled, which was VERY rare, he took the blame for himself, and when he scored, he always gave the credit to his offensive line," Ripon Head Football Coach Ron Ernst said. "Troy made me a really smart coach - just put the ball in number 27's hands."

It took less than four games into DeVoe's freshman season for Ernst to realize the immense talent that he had at his disposal, even if the play wasn't always executed the way Coach Ernst had drawn it up.

"Early in the 1998 season, we were losing late in a game against St. Norbert when I decided to put the ball in the hands of this freshman," Ernst said. "He took off left and I said, "NOOO!!!", then he cut to the right and ran 65 yards for a touchdown, helping us come from behind to win, 23-15."

That was the beginning of a career for the ages. Of the 11 players in program history who have rushed for 1,000 yards in a season, DeVoe is the only one to do it more than once, accomplishing that feat three times. During his final three seasons, DeVoe averaged 122.3 rushing yards and more than one touchdown per game.

Ernst also recalls a game at Monmouth during DeVoe's junior season in which he again displayed his athleticism, perseverance, and character during a singular play.

"Troy took a handoff in that game, only to get hit harder than I've ever seen a player get hit during my coaching career, deep in the backfield by multiple defenders," Ernst said. "All that did was tick Troy off. He planted his foot, did a spin move like I've never seen before, and ended up in the end zone 45 yards later. He celebrated by handing the ball to the official and thanking his offensive linemen."

DeVoe ranks fourth in program history for career scoring with 252 points, which is just 12 shy of the school record. One of his crowning moments came in 2001 when he capped off his career by helping Ripon win the MWC Championship.

"I played on some amazing teams with a lot of tremendous talent and it was a great feeling to be part of an offense that was unstoppable at times," said DeVoe.

Ripon compiled a 30-10 record during DeVoe's four-year career. Three of the four teams he played on rank among the top seven in school history for single season points, while two of his teams rank in the top 10 for total offense.

"Ripon College provided me with an opportunity to attend an amazing educational institution and make lifelong friendships," DeVoe said. "It was challenging, but rewarding, and taught me lessons that resonate years later. My experience at Ripon College and my participation in Red Hawk athletics has, in many ways, shaped who I am today."

Along with his family, Coach Ernst is one of the most influential people to touch DeVoe's life.

"Coach Ernst helped shape me as a person. He taught me about leadership and responsibility, which I still apply to my life to this day. All of those extra sprints that I may or may not have had to do after practice also may have contributed to that," DeVoe said. "Coach Ernst was a players coach, building strong relationships with his players that revolved around communication, mutual respect and shared success. He has been a mentor for many and played an important role in my life after my father passed away during my Sophomore year."

Originally from Oshkosh, Wis., DeVoe has worked for Starbucks for more than nine years, first as District Manager and currently as a Facilities Services Manager.


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