OTTUMWA — The Rupe family cleaned house on Tuesday night. The Paulson twins were just happy to share.

The Ottumwa A-Club doled out its awards at Ottumwa High School and the overriding theme was service — by athletes and individuals alike.

Another banner year was put in the books as Ottumwa High School held its honors banquet for its student athletes and supporters of Bulldog athletics.

Kevin Pink, the Sports Information Director at Indian Hills, emceed the event and recognized sport after sport that countless Bulldogs put their heart and soul into.

Chris Rupe was one of those individuals.

Rupe was honored as the Outstanding Senior Male Athlete at OHS. Rupe was a two-time place winner at the state wrestling meet for Ottumwa and senior captain on the football squad. He also competed in track.

Rupe won three other awards in the Gabby Ware Scholarship, OHS Wrestling Club Scholarship and the Phil F. Drumm Memorial Scholarship.

He was honored to receive the prestigious award, but was even happier for his mom, Cindy Rupe. She received the Gene Schultz Volunteer Award for being an active member in the A-Club.

“She’s done a lot for her three boys and everybody else. She’s worked really hard,” said Chris Rupe.

Rupe will attend St. Cloud State University in Minnesota to play football.

Sarah and Kristin Paulson are ending their prolific athletic careers in style. The two valedictorians, who sport a perfect GPA, each shared the Outstanding Senior Female Athlete award. The Paulson twins helped Ottumwa to its fifth state golf title last year. They’re in the process of trying to defend that crown next week.

“Personally, I wanted Sarah to win, because I thought she deserved it. But it’s cool that we both won it, that way there’s no hard feelings,” said Kristin.

Sarah echoed her sister’s sentiments.

“Kristin, I thought deserved it just as much as I did, just for the record,” said Sarah. “It’s awesome that we get to share that award.”

Sarah Paulson led the Ottumwa girls basketball in scoring in ’08 and Kristin was second in points scored on Stan Rupe’s squad. The Paulsons twins were also key members on Steve Green’s cross country team and track squad as sophomores.