Student Profile: Andrew LaPan
Andrew LaPan came to Bluefield University to play football, but he’ll tell you he has gotten more than just the opportunity to play collegiate sports from BU.
LaPan came to Bluefield from Newnan, Georgia, where he graduated in 2021 from South Paulding High School. He ran track and field in his freshman and sophomore years of high school before turning to football in his junior year. It was his performance on the football field that attracted the attention of the Rams coaching staff who recruited him to come to BU.
“I came here because I felt like I would succeed in a smaller environment of a school,” LaPan said, “and I had a chance to keep playing football.”
LaPan said football has done more than provide him with the opportunity to play collegiate sports. He said it has also shaped his work ethic and how he views taking on new tasks.
“It has made me very thankful,” he said, “because I have had a lot of opportunities.”
But work ethic is not all LaPan has learned from football; he’s learned character. In fact, he was recognized as the 2022 Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) Character Award winner. He also received the first-ever Ram of the Week honor, and was named Junior Prince for the 2023 Homecoming Court. LaPan also serves as a resident advisor (RA), student ambassador, and is the host of the Ramblin’ Rams video blog at BU.
LaPan is a rising senior who will graduate in the spring of 2025 with degrees in sports communication and graphic communication.
“I wanted to be a sports writer when I first got here,” LaPan said, “but as time went on I decided I also wanted to coach.”
In his free time, LaPan enjoys disc golf and photography. He said his advice to underclassmen is to get involved and to make academics a priority.
“Just be yourself,” he said. “Go out, talk to people. Even if you don’t like talking, it’s nice having a large network. You never know what you can get into with the network, too. Also, stay on top of your school work.”
Fellow senior J.G. Keene said LaPan has become a great friend and has positively affected his time at BU.
“Andrew has really made a positive impact around campus,” Keene said, “and he always manages to bring a smile to everyone’s face. He’s an all-around great guy.”
Keene also said that he has seen LaPan grow as a friend and student.
“Since I first met Andrew in 2021, he has become an exemplary student and serves as a role model to all,” Keene said. “I could not think of a better person to be selected as BU’s first-ever Ram of the Week.”