Passing on the family tradition: Tupa name takes to the field again

View full sizeSTEVE KURUCZ/SPECIAL TO SUN NEWSBrecksville's Tommy Tupa has already given Bees' fans a glimpse of what he can do. Last Friday, the sophomore quarterback led his team to a 21-17 come-from-behind win over rival North Royalton.

It is often said that history has a way of repeating itself.

If there is any truth to that statement, some very good times lie ahead for the Brecksville-Broadview Heights football program.

Last week, Tommy Tupa, the son of former Bees’ quarterback/punter and hometown hero Tom Tupa, got his first varsity start for the Bees.

Right on cue, he delivered a memorable come-from-behind victory that already has Bees’ fans buzzing. To make it even more nostalgic, his dad, who serves as Brecksville’s offensive coordinator, called the plays that helped secure the win.

Tom, of course, is best known, at least in Brecksville, for leading the Bees to a state championship in 1983. He later played for The Ohio State University and enjoyed a long career in the National Football League.

Tom, who ironically became the Bees’ signal-caller in his sophomore season, is excited for the team’s potential, especially with Tommy under center.

With good reason, too. For the past several years, Tom has called the plays for his son’s class, moving up each year as the boys age.

Last season, with a comprehensive offensive system in place, Tommy and his fellow freshman classmates went 9-1. Now, both are hoping that the system translates to the next level.

“We’ve been running that same offense since they were young,” Tom said. “It’s the same terminology.

“This year we’ve thrown everything in there. Its going to be fun.”

Tommy shares his dad’s enthusiasm, but said there are some differences between playing varsity and freshman football.

“The speed of the game is a lot different,” he said. “You have to react a lot quicker. The atmosphere is a lot different.”

Still, with his father looking over his shoulder, he feels confident he can adjust.

“It’s a lot of help,” he said, referring to having his dad on the sidelines.

“If I’m struggling, if I’m not making my reads, he’s always there to tell me what’s what out there.”

“I’m usually harder on his than I am on anyone else,” admitted Tom. “But that’s typical. I’m his dad. You want him to do his best.”

When asked for his expectations going forward, Tommy said he’s focused on one thing.

“I expect us to win every game we go out. I just expect us to win.”

He’s certainly off to a good start.

Contact Peck at (216) 986-6063. Email him at cpeck@sunnews.com.