One of the most successful coaches in the history of Centennial Conference (CC) swimming, Rueppel has led the men's and women's swimming programs to five CC Championships (out of a possible 10) in five seasons, including consecutive titles in 2004 and 2005.

During his five seasons at Franklin & Marshall, Rueppel has guided his team to new heights. Highlights of his tenure include: Academic All American Honors 5 consecutive years; 32 athletes named to CC Academic Honor Roll; 5 Centennial Conference Championships; set 65 school records; set 41 Centennial Conference records; 72 individual or relay CC Champions; 23 Division III All Americans; 3 National Champions.

At the 2006 Centennial Conference Championships, the team broke 9 school records, set 8 CC meet records, won 20 of 22 contested events and achieved 13 NCAA A/B qualifying times. The 2006 NCAA Division III National Meets brought the program historical success. All five Diplomats who competed achieved All American status. The swimmers set 8 school records, 6 conference records and enjoyed their highest finish ever (men 31st, women 21st).

Rueppel came to F&M in the summer of 2001 from Wittenberg University in Ohio. While at Wittenberg University he coached eight swimmers, including four men and four women, to the NCAA Division III National meets in March 2001. All eight made at least honorable mention All-America status as the women amassed a point total of 36 and the men posted 33 points for one of Wittenberg's best finishes ever.

In his 11 years at Wittenberg and F&M, Rueppel has coached 54 NCAA Division III All Americans.

Before coaching at Wittenberg, Rueppel was the head age group coach and assistant men's and women's swim coach at Wright State University and the Dayton Raiders Swim Club (1989-1995).

Rueppel began his coaching career as the head women's coach at his alma mater, St. Bonaventure University (1983 to 1989). While at St. Bonaventure, he compiled a 42-18 dual meet record for the Division I Bonnies and served as a member of the Athletic Advisory Board from 1985 through 1986.

Rueppel received his bachelor of arts degree from St. Bonaventure in 1983. He, his wife, Anne, and daughters, Katie and Colleen, live in Manheim Township.