By GRANT LINENBERGER / Greater Garden City
Editor’s Note: This article is one of a series of stories this month celebrating Downtown Garden City merchants and businesses.
The Good Sport has been an anchor in downtown Garden City for nearly 50 years, growing and evolving over time to becoming the place to shop for screen printing, digital printing and embroidery services for teams, organizations and individuals across southwest Kansas.
Opened in 1978 by Bob and Coleen Rupp, the store moved several times in the downtown area and has been in its current location at 220 N. Main Street for nearly 30 years. In 1999, their son Brian Rupp and his wife Julie purchased the business, becoming the second generation to carry the family legacy forward.
The Good Sport has evolved over time. Originally, it focused more on sporting equipment and athletic footwear. However, as major brands shifted their attention to big-box retailers and online shopping expanded, smaller locally owned shops had to adapt.
Instead of stocking large volumes of name-brand shoes, The Good Sport put more emphasis on screen printing, digital printing, and embroidery for teams, organizations, and individuals.
Julie said her favorite part of the business is building relationships with customers, while Brian appreciates the variety of work that each day brings. One thing they both enjoy is seeing their creations out in the community, shirts, jackets, and hats worn by the very people they designed them for.
While they don’t have a Christmas special per se, The Good Sport does offer, year-round, a Christian-themed line of apparel with 100% of the profits donated to charitable organizations.
What makes it even more special is the Rupp’s eldest son, Calen, purchases blank garments from his parents who in turn can decorate them with faith-based designs for customers to purchase while simultaneously supporting a good cause.
The next round of donations for this apparel line will be going to Emmaus House, joining a long list of nonprofits they’ve supported over the years, including ABC Pregnancy Center, Chains Break, and many others.
For other holiday gift ideas, The Good Sport carries college and professional sports apparel and merchandise. Brian Rupp said KU and K-State items are always reliable choices.
The Good Sport’s regular hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday–Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. The Rupps plan to be open the last couple of Sundays in December but specific hours could vary. Customers are encouraged to contact the store about hours or any questions. They’re more than willing to accommodate the needs of their customers.
The Good Sport has remained a trusted part of downtown for generations, adapting with the times while keeping its commitment to service and community at the center of everything they do.
The Good Sport
220 N. Main Street
Hours: Mon–Fri 9:30–5:30 | Sat 10–4 (Starting next year, no Saturdays from January to Labor Day)
Holiday Hours: Open select Sundays in December. Call or message for accommodations
