Wrestling: Fenwick head coach Jerry Ruffino plans to retire

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Oak Leaves photographer Rob Hart won an Ilinois Press Association Award for this photo of Fenwick wrestling coach Jerry Ruffino (right) and his son, Chris (left) from Feb. 19, 2011. | Rob Hart~Sun-Times Media

Updated: February 2, 2012 4:11PM

After 20 years of coaching wrestling at Fenwick High School, Jerry Ruffino has decided that this season will be his last. Fenwick alum and former CCL Outstanding Wrestler, Chris Ruffino ’01, will be the new head wrestling coach next season. Chris Ruffino has been an assistant coach in the wrestling program for five years.

“This was a tough decision, but I felt that this was the right time to retire,” says Jerry Ruffino. “I love coaching and feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with so many talented wrestlers. I have 20 years of great memories and will continue to be a big supporter of Fenwick wrestling.”

Jerry Ruffino began his career in the Chicago Catholic League (CCL) in 1992 and became the head wrestling coach at Fenwick in 1995. He has amassed a career overall record of 235-149 and finished 119-57 in the CCL. In IHSA competition, his teams have won six regional championships and made an Elite Eight appearance in 2005. He has coached 53 wrestlers who qualified for the IHSA State meet including three State Champions, two State Runners-up and seven All-State honorees. In addition to coaching, he served as the IHSA Regional representative for 13 years.

Ruffino’s success in the CCL was just as impressive with 53 place winners, including 21 League Champions, 17 Runners-up and three Lawless winners. From 2000-2003, he coached Dave Herrera who was a four-time CCL Champion.

“Jerry is an outstanding coach,” says Fenwick Athletic Director, Scott Thies. “He has great passion for the sport of wrestling and has always been extremely dedicated to preparing his wrestlers for success on and off the mat. We are pleased to announce that his son, Chris, will be taking the head coaching position and continuing the great tradition his father has created.”