CORALVILLE, Iowa – That Zach Lupori finds time to sleep is a feat in and of itself.
A junior forward for the University of Iowa hockey team, Lupori is also the program’s travel officer and has a steady course load in the classroom, majoring in Finance with a minor in Communications.
Through the Hawkeyes’ first six games, Lupori is averaging nearly four points per game with six goals and 17 assists for 23 points.
“I love playing the game of hockey and I wanted to continue playing while also continuing my education,” said Lupori, a native of Glen Ellyn, Ill. “I was fortunate to find the University of Iowa provided both.”
During his youth days, Lupori played in the Central States Hockey League for the Geneva Cyclones and also for Glenbard High School.
“My dad had me on skates as soon as I could walk,” remembered Lupori.
Now a big-time player for Iowa, Lupori is soaking in the experience playing college hockey.
“One thing I enjoy most about playing hockey for the Hawkeyes is the community that is built around the team,” Lupori said. “Not only do we spend time together practicing and playing games but outside of hockey, the team hangs out and has a lot of fun together.”
Continuing his team-first attitude, Lupori relishes his role as the travel officer.
“It is my responsibility to fill out pre- and post-travel forms for the team,” explained Lupori. “This is done for both home and away games to inform the school of the game that the team plays and the result. On top of this, I help my other officers with any paperwork or tasks that need to be done to make sure the team runs efficiently.”
Jumping out to a 6-0-0 start to the season, great things can happen down the road, according to Lupori.
“After a successful start to the season, it is important to stay focused on beating one team at a time,” Lupori said. “If we continue to stick to playing our style of hockey, I don’t see any reason why we can’t reach our goal of getting to nationals.”
5 – What is your major and year in school and what are your short-term and long-term goals in hockey and school/life?
I am currently a Junior here at Iowa majoring in finance with a minor in communications. My short-term goals are to continue to grow with my teammates, while pursuing my degree here at the University of Iowa.
The Hawkeyes are off the next two weekends before playing a home-and-home with Iowa State University Oct. 29-30. The first game is at Ames/ISU Arena Friday night at 7 p.m., followed by the 4:30 p.m. Saturday finale hosted by the Hawkeyes. Location TBD.