As a 1990 Red River High School graduate, Chad excelled as a two-sport standout in both hockey and golf, earning six varsity letters, three in each sport. On the ice, Skarperud was a key force in one of the most successful eras of Red River hockey. A three-time state champion (1988, 1989, 1990), he capped off his career as team captain by scoring the game-winning goal in the 1990 state championship against crosstown rival Grand Forks Central and was named co-MVP of the ‘90 State Hockey Tournament. He was selected to the All-Conference and All-State Teams in both his junior and senior years. Skarperud’s achievements extended to the golf course, where he was equally dominant. He helped lead Red River to the 1990 state team championship while also capturing the individual state medalist title, establishing himself as the top high school golfer in North Dakota. He was an All-Conference and All-State selection during both his junior and senior years.  Skarperud continued his golf career at Indian River State College in Fort Pierce, Florida, one of the nation's premier junior college golf programs. As an amateur golfer, Skarperud became one of Grand Forks’ most accomplished players, capturing multiple NDGA state titles and adding prestigious wins at both the Pine to Palm and Birchmont tournaments.