Michael Ruiz named Head Women's Wrestling Coach
COLBY, Kan. - Colby Community College is excited to announce the inaugural Head Women's Wrestling Coach, Michael Ruiz.
COLBY, Kan. - Colby Community College is excited to announce the inaugural Head Women's Wrestling Coach, Michael Ruiz. Head Coach Ruiz will start the recruitment process and schedule as the Trojans aim to compete in Fall 2025. Ruiz has coached women's wrestling at various levels, with stops at Porterville High School and the University of Providence-Great Falls. Most recently, Coach Ruiz was an Assistant Wrestling Coach at Benedictine College last season and is the Resident Director on campus in Atchison, Kansas.
A native of Porterville, California, Ruiz began his collegiate wrestling career at West Hills Community College, where he excelled as a student-athlete and earned California Junior College All-American honors, placing third at the state tournament. He continued his wrestling journey at the University of Providence, where he became a two-time NAIA All-American, placing fourth and second in the country.
After completing his collegiate career, Ruiz turned his attention to coaching at his high school alma mater, Porterville High School. He was the assistant girl's wrestling coach alongside head coach Julian Palomino for three years. Coach Ruiz developed into a coach who wants to see success on the mat and personal development for all his student-athletes, helping develop young athletes and build a competitive program. Under his guidance, numerous wrestlers succeeded at the local, regional, and state levels, with many continuing their careers in college.
Ruiz's dedication to fostering athletic and personal growth in his athletes is at the core of his coaching philosophy. As he transitions to Colby Community College, he brings a deep passion for the sport and a commitment to helping student-athletes excel on and off the mat.
"I'm honored to join the Colby Community College family and lead this historic moment for the women's wrestling program." Coach Ruiz stated. He continued, "I'm looking forward to recruiting and mentoring the first group of student-athletes who will lay the foundation for this program. There's something special about being part of the beginning of a legacy."
Colby Community College is thrilled to expand women's wrestling and provide more opportunities for student-athletes to compete at the college level. Wrestling has been a historic program for Colby Community College, and we will look to impact the sport's growth.
For more information regarding coaches' information, recruitment forms, and our previous articles, visit the links below.