Chapple leads Lions in his final season with team

Senior quarterback Lee Chapple looks to finish up his college career successfully.

Senior and starting quarterback Lee Chapple recently led his team to victory in his last home game playing for the Lions, in which UNA conquered its seventh straight win against West Georgia. Chapple will play his last game for UNA against Valdosta State this Saturday.

Chapple has always been passionate about football. The Alpharetta, Ga., native has played the sport since he was a child.

“My mother would not let me play until I was in the third grade,” he said.

Chapple played baseball as well, but football stuck with him from then to now. He graduated from Greater Christian High School, in which he played for the Spartans. While a Spartan, Lee led his team to make three appearances to the playoffs, as well as the state quarter finals. His football career as a Spartan recorded a total of 4,901 passing yards and 49 touchdowns.

By 2007, Chapple attended Georgia Southern University where he played for the Eagles. He held the school records for attempts and completions by the end of the 2009 season. Looking into a Division II Program, Chapple was recommended by GSU head coach Chris Hatcher that he head to UNA.

At UNA, Chapple started 13 games for the 2010 season. Chapple also has a record of 28 to six completions and never missed a game. At UNA, he has received recognition and all-time awards, such as GSC Offensive Player of the Week.

When not on the field practicing for the next game, Chapple has a variety of hobbies he indulges in. A few would be playing golf and wakeboarding. In regards to music, anything that sounds good to him will be on his playlist.

“But I am a huge of fan of the Zac Brown Band,” he said.

Chapple has had a lot of great experiences in his football career, as well as challenges in terms of injuries. When he received a high ankle sprain during practice, he had to put a large amount of tape around his foot.

“It looked like I had a space boot on,” Chapple said. “But I did my best to endure playing during the practice.”

In regards to the other players, Chapple has close relationship with his teammates.

“As the starting quarterback, I do view myself as one of the leaders on the team,” Chapple said.

He also enjoys taking his offensive line to Buffalo Wild Wings for a night out.

“I am going to miss the guys,” Chapple said. “They would always push me and have my back no matter what. I respect that.”

Chapple has a plethora of great memories throughout his football career, but one of his favorites stands out from the others.

“Playing in one of the greatest stadiums on earth, the Dallas Cowboys Stadium, and seeing the huge screens on top was amazing,” Chapple said. “It was intense.”

A business major graduating in December, Chapple wants to get on the business side of football, such as sports franchising. He also wishes to join NFL Europe or be a part of the Canadian League.

Leaving college, Chapple will remember his college routines and making plans to balance a social life, school work and football practice.