Meet Des Moines Register sports writer Eugene Rapay, who covers the Iowa State Cyclones
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Meet Des Moines Register sports writer Eugene Rapay, who covers the Iowa State Cyclones
Iowa State’s football team won the Pop-Tarts Bowl and reached its highest-ever ranking. The Cyclones softball team posted various program records this season. “There really is nothing like watching sports, telling stories, meeting and reporting on so many great athletes, coaches, fans and teams at all levels,” says reporter. “When I’m not working, I like to play basketball, chess, walk everywhere, lift weights, watch crime documentaries, improve my cooking skills and dabble in some podcasting” “I’m still exploring and learning all the spots, but I’m fueled by Horizon Line Coffee and the Mad Meatball in Des Moines”
Years at the Register: Approaching nine months.
I grew up in: New York. Shout-out to the 914 (area code).
I live in: Des Moines.
I graduated from: Villanova University.
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Family: I left everybody I knew back in New York or on the East Coast for this new Midwest adventure, so I’m living solo in Des Moines, but hi, Mom, Dad, Big City Cam, friends and my army of cousins back home.
Email:erapay@dmreg.com
Why journalism? I’ve always loved sports and writing, but I spent the first two years of college running away from my passions. I switched majors three times during that stretch. While I found those subject areas fascinating (and probably could lead to more lucrative ends), I couldn’t see myself working in those areas every day for 40 years.
Once I got my first press credential to cover a Villanova basketball game as a junior in college, I knew this is exactly what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. There really is nothing like watching sports, telling stories, meeting and reporting on so many great athletes, coaches, fans and teams at all levels.
I like my beat because: The Big 12 is a great conference, fans are super passionate for the Cyclones, and it has been exciting covering Iowa State’s sports teams. I’ve also grown to like the Midwest a lot.
Some of the major stories I’ve covered recently: It’s the offseason, but what a year for the Cyclones. The football team got its first 11-win season and won the Pop-Tarts Bowl. Men’s basketball reached its highest-ever ranking, at No. 2, before injuries took their toll on the team down the stretch. A young Cyclones softball team posted various program records this season, while women’s golf also enjoyed a successful spring.
This offseason, Iowa State football mourned the tragic loss of Alex Ernst, who exceeded all duties as a video coordinator and was remembered for his influential presence, magnetic personality and love for the Cyclones.
Some things I’m working on next: Stay tuned for some offseason features, but the football season will be kicking off before you know it! Big 12 Football Media Day at Dallas is in July and Cyclones football will be reporting to camp shortly after. Basketball is in summer workout mode, too.
When I’m not working, I like to: Work on my golf swing (complete novice, advice is welcome), play basketball, chess, walk everywhere, lift weights, watch crime documentaries, improve my cooking skills and dabble in some podcasting.
My favorite Iowa haunt: I’m still exploring and learning all the spots, but I’m fueled by Horizon Line Coffee and the Mad Meatball in Des Moines. If you know, you know.
Fun fact about me: When I was 24, I somehow had breakfast with Charles Barkley and he helped me get over my impostor syndrome. Thanks, Chuck!