Rich Ruiz is now in his fourth year with the Falcon coaching staff, and will begin his third year working with the running backs after coaching the linebackers his first season. 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 two years ago he coached Lorenzo Goode, who led the Mission Conference in rushing for the Falcons. Last year’s lone sophomore running back, Duane Bowen, received a scholarship to play at the University of Nebraska-Omaha.

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 started 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 (a student at UCLA), Rico, Demi and Marcus.