Where does Rip come from?

[Domjo54]

Rip,

I know I've been sending in a lot of questions lately, and this one really has no relation to barbell training (with the exception of being a personal question in regards to the master of it). Anyway, I've been discussing with a few friends lately (all of whom, along with myself, admire your dedication and knowledge about strength training) what kind of a name "Rippetoe" is. I have a strong feeling that you are deep-rooted in American history (meaning that your ancestors emigrated here long ago) and that you consider yourself "American" above all else. However, I (and my friends) are merely curious as to what your ethnicity is.

Thanks Rip.

[Mark Rippetoe]

Interesting that you would have that impression. Rippetoe is an old French name, probable spelling Ribbedeau, Rippeteau, Ropiteau, or some variant thereof. Our single (best anyone can tell) immigrant came to this continent in the late 1600s fleeing the Huguenot situation. My 4-great grandfather was in the Revolutionary War, and was in fact in George Washington's personal guard. Or so I have it from reliable genealogists.

[Domjo54]

My 4-great grandfather was in the Revolutionary War, and was in fact in George Washington's personal guard.

That's really badass, Rip. Rippetoe actually sounded a little French to me, but, maybe it's just me, I just don't see many French powerlifters (no offense intended). I think one of the reasons I had a slight French impression was because they're among the deepest-rooted in our country's history, plus your a southerner, and a lot (some even say the majority) of southerners can trace their ancestry (at some point or another) to France.

[mlentzner]

George Washington: Not sure about this crossing the Delaware thing.

Tobias Rippetoe: Jesus Christ, General! Don't be a fucking pussy!

The rest is history.

[mstrofbass]

Rippetoe is an old French name

I'm so sorry.

[Stevo]

Does the geneaologist have any data on Geo Washingtons PR's? I mean, let's get real here, I can't see any major political figure hanging around a Rippeteau & not following some sort of linear progression with micro plates & lots of vitamin I.

[Andy Baker (KSC)]

On the way to my deer lease every winter, we drive through a little rinky dink town called Bangs, TX. There is a huge sign on one of the old buildings for "Rippetoe's Pharmacy". I always intend to stop and take a picture of it for you, but its a long drive.

Got any relatives in Bangs?

[Mark Rippetoe]

Yes Andy, they're second cousins. All Rippetoes are related, and there are less than 800 of us right now. The RW guy was William Rippetoe. A fuck you Stevo, mlentzner, and mstrofbass. I knew when I approved this I was fucking up.

[Andy Baker (KSC)]

Yes, you should have known better. I think you would like that picture though. Who doesn't like to see their name on a huge sign hanging on a neat old building. You should schedule a seminar in Bangs.

[Mark Rippetoe]

Is it closed? Last time I was in Bangs it was open and busy. I am old.