Matt Ruettiger carrying on proud family tradition
Alan Macey amacey@southtownstar.com | (708) 802-8834 January 4, 2011 5:04PM
Lincoln-Way West's Matt Ruettiger is the latest in the long line from the wrestling family. | File photo
All in the family
The Ruettiger family definitely has left a mark on high school wrestling in Illinois. Providence Catholic alum Bernie, who coached Minooka to the Class 3A state crown in 2010, won the Class A 98-pound title in 1977, and also took fourth at 119 in 1979. Mark, another Celtics legend, ranks as one of the greatest prep wrestlers ever, thanks to his Class A state titles in 1978 (98 pounds), 1979 (112), 1980 (119) and 1981 (126). Coaching Bernie and Mark at Providence was older brother Tim, who directed the New Lenox school to Class A gold medals n 1978 and 1981, a runner-up finish in 1980 and a Class AA title in 1988.
Updated: January 23, 2012 12:21AM
Lincoln-Way West senior Matt Ruettiger isn’t on pace to be a four-time state high school wrestling champion like his legendary father, Mark, was at Providence Catholic.
Matt isn’t planning on trying to make the Notre Dame football team and be part of a Hollywood movie about his life like his famous uncle, Dan, he of “Rudy” fame.
As far as being a wrestling coach, Matt doesn’t talk about someday following in the footsteps of uncles Tim and Bernie, who have guided Providence Catholic and Minooka, respectively, to state championships.
Most important, this 17-year-old has carved his own path of success, finding the right balance in the classroom and in the athletic arena.
After finishing second at 140 pounds and helping the Warriors to a third-place team finish at the Granite City Holiday Tournament, Matt, a state qualifier and owner of a 36-10 record last season, now sports a solid 24-4 mark.
He’s even better in the classroom with a 4.29 grade-point average and 32 ACT score. He has sights on universities such as Michigan, Illinois and Purdue.
All of the above makes father Mark, an assistant coach at West, extremely proud.
“We kid that Matt’s ACT score is probably higher than two or three Ruettigers combined,” Mark said with a chuckle. “I know he’s good academically because of my wife.
“Matt wants to go to college and major in engineering. Our family is so proud of what he has accomplished.”
Matt has learned not to put extra pressure on himself. He prides himself in having good discipline and executing the basics of his favorite sport.
And, he is a good listener, especially when it comes to hearing those countless wrestling yarns.
“I love hearing all of the old wrestling stories and watching the ‘Rudy’ movie,” Matt said with a big smile.
“My favorite part of ‘Rudy’ was when he was finally gets accepted at Notre Dame. You can always seem to find that movie somewhere on cable.
“We got to see uncle Dan a couple of months ago when he was in town for a speaking engagement.”
Matt doesn’t tire of learning about his family’s great wrestling tradition. While Mark Ruettiger helps coach sons Matt and sophomore Josh at West, brothers Bernie (defending Class 3A champ Minooka), Mick (Neuqua Valley) and John (assistant at Lisle) continue to be coaching icons.
“I wish there was a DVD with highlights of my dad and uncle Bernie winning their state titles. That would be pretty cool!” Matt said. “At the state meet in Champaign, they showed highlights of past state champs and I did get to see my dad for a brief moment, but that’s it.”
Matt knows he and his teammates have benefited from having dad Mark helping head coach Brian Glynn in the wrestling room.
“We have a lot of respect for our coaches,” Matt said. “They make sure we pay attention to detail.”
The ultimate thrill for the Ruettigers would be if Matt can qualify for the state finals and participate in the Grand March of Champions.
“That Grand March is really something to see,” Matt said.
Mark would know. Four different years (1978 through 1981) he stood in the Assembly Hall tunnel waiting to be introduced for a championship match and four times he brought home a gold medal for his hard work.
During his tenure as head coach at Lincoln-Way Central, Mark coached 12 state finalists.
“It was more thrilling for me to coach a kid to the state tournament than it was for me individually to win a state title,” Mark said. “It’s so gratifying to see a kid rise to the state level and compete in Assembly Hall.”
When I wrote about Mark’s amazing feats on the mat more than 30 years ago, I remember him as shy and soft-spoken. He always spoke of his team’s success first and foremost. As I’ve followed his coaching career, it’s no surprise to me that he has been through the years.
Son Matt has shown the same characteristics, on and off the playing field.
He has carried on a proud family tradition.
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