On August 22, 2023, Chapin High School experienced an unimaginable loss. Tre Ruff, a student, athlete, and friend who left an unexplainable impact on the Chapin community that will never be forgotten. 

Tre was well known around Chapin for his big smile, his kindness towards others, his work ethic on the football field, and his love for his family and friends. Tre always paid attention to the little things, like simply saying “what’s up” or “you good” just to make sure that the people around him were okay.

“Both of my sons knew Tre in a very positive way, through football and track. He treated my son Caleb like he was already a part of things even though he was a bit younger than Tre and new to the team,” said Ed Davis, the principal of Chapin High School. “I knew him well through my children, and it is very clear that he had a great impact on them, just as he had on everyone else throughout the Chapin community,” Mr. Davis continues. 

Mr. Davis was asked how this has affected both him and the Chapin community, and he responded by saying, “It’s always a hard thing for the community when you lose a member before their time. Anytime you see something out of order, it hits the heart hard. I love that the Chapin community rallied together as ‘One Heartbeat’ around Tre and his family. When I saw Tre’s family turn around and see the Chapin community standing with them, it gave me goosebumps. It really shows how Chapin is ‘One Heartbeat.’”

 Mr. Davis finished by saying, “Legacy is not up to us. It’s about how you live. People don’t think they will be remembered, but the way they lived is their legacy. Throughout this heartbreaking experience, we can all see what an impact Tre has had on the Chapin community and how loved he is.”

Overall, Tre has left an unforgettable impact on Chapin High School, and the community as a whole. He will never be forgotten, and his memory and legacy will continue to live throughout Chapin.