Ruggles on top as MACHS winningest basketball coach
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Coach Bret Ruggles has made a splash yet again in the Mount Ayr sports world, this time as head basketball coach.
The 14 year veteran coach has just surpassed coach Delwyn Showalter as winningest coach in Mount Ayr boys basketball history with 177 wins.
Ruggles tied the record held by Showalter December 8 after defeating Lenox 79-57, giving him 176 wins.
Thursday, December 10, Ruggles gained his 177th win after coaching his team to a 77-40 victory over Southeast Warren.
Along with coach Ruggles, assistant coach Jeff Levine has been with him for all 14 years.
“It’s a long run. I was hired in 2004 and picked up Jeff right away,” said coach Ruggles. “I told the guys it’s been like a marriage. We’ve been together for a long, long time and your very appreciative of the groups you’ve had.”
Ruggles has seen sub-state runs, conference championship but really enjoys just working with the kids.
“I don’t want to list off players, but we have had so many great players and kids,” said Ruggles. “The moments I enjoy are watching them grow up. I understand the wins are great and I am very humbled about knocking of Showalter, but Delwyn was a mentor for me.”
Between Showalter and Ruggles, they combine for 31 years.
Ruggles credits the community for the longevity and stability of the coaching program.
“It’s the families, the communities, it helps when you have that,” said Ruggles. “There’s a lot of times coaches get frustrated and move on and I’ve never felt that way.”
“It’s been a home to me. It’s a good school, good community and always a positive and that’s what you want.”
Ruggles will look to extend his record with 16 more games to go this season.
