St. Charles County Athlete of the Week: Austin Rugraff

Austin Rugraff is a senior at . He was chosen by voters as the for his accomplishments as a high school wrestler, having recently won the Class 3 state title in the 160-pound weight class.

Rugraff also is a certified MSHSAA official in football and wrestling. He officiates both on the weekends during the season of each sport, his dad Don Rugraff said.

Rugraff won the Patch St. Charles County Athlete of the Week poll with a staggering 95 percent of the vote. Rugraff picked up 210 of the 221 votes cast.

Patch caught up with Rugraff to ask him a few questions.

Patch: What is your favorite part about playing sports for your high school?

Rugraff: Hanging with my teammates.

Patch: How long have you been playing sports?

Rugraff: Since the age of 5 (13 years)

Patch: Any future plans, such as playing in college? And if so, where?

Rugraff: Brown University-Wrestling, Wash-U Football, Mizzou-Wrestling

Patch: Do you have any pregame rituals you take part in? And if so, what are they?

Rugraff: Yes, drink a bottle of Pedialyte after weigh-ins and calm my mind before my match.

Patch: Who are your biggest influences and role models and why?

Rugraff: Mom, for all of her support. Dad, for his support, coaching, and knowledge. All of coaches at St. Charles West High School for pushing me and guiding me in the right direction.

Patch: What’s playing on your iPod right now?

Rugraff: Till I Collapse by Eminem.

Patch: Favorite non-school related activity?

Rugraff: Hanging out with my friends and lifting with Tyler Hanneke.

Patch: If you could have dinner with any three people in history, who would they be?

Rugraff: Alexander The Great, Vince Lombardi, and Socrates.