Rich Ruiz is now in his third year with the Falcon coaching staff, and will begin his second year working with the running backs. He coached the linebackers his first year and spent last year working with the running backs. Prior to coming to Cerritos, Ruiz spent 10 years coaching linebackers and running backs for Marijon Ancich at St. Paul High. Currently, two of his former players are now playing in the PAC-10, with Dwight Tardy at Washington State University and Nick Grigsby at the University of Arizona. Additionally, linebacker Matt Parent is playing at the University of New Hampshire, while last year he coached Lorenzo Goode, who led the Mission Conference in rushing.

    During his playing days, Ruiz was a two-year lettermen in football and track and field at St. Paul High and graduated in 1986. As a defensive captain, he saw time at defensive back, while also playing running back and was a teammate of Frank Mazzotta Jr. He was an All-Angelus League selection at defensive back, while also earning All-San Gabriel Valley and All-Whittier Area recognition. Additionally, Ruiz ran the 400 meters and ran a leg of the mile relay. Ruiz received a Division 1AA scholarship to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where an injury ended his playing career.

    A resident of Whittier, Ruiz and his wife Evelyn have four children; Jessica, Rico, Demi and Marcus.