SAN ANGELO, TX — Angelo State men's basketball associate head coach Mark Rutledge will depart his current role within the Rams Basketball program to take the head coaching position at Southern Arkansas University, Rams head coach Vinay Patel announced on Wednesday.
"Southern Arkansas hit an absolute homerun by hiring Mark Rutledge as their next head coach!" exclaimed Patel. "I am so excited for Coach Rutledge, his wife Monica, and their two children (Elijah & Saniyah) as they start a new journey."
"I am deeply grateful to President Ronnie Hawkins, Athletic Director James Reid, and Head Coach Vinay Patel for their trust and support during my tenure here," said Rutledge. "Their leadership and mentorship have been instrumental in my career development."
"I also want to thank the entire athletic department and administration at ASU. The love and respect shown to my family and I have created lasting memories and relationships I will cherish forever," said Rutledge. "Thank you for everything you have done for me. I will sincerely miss this place."
In his time in San Angelo, Rutledge helped guide the Rams to a 45-18 record and a pair of appearances in the NCAA South Central Regional. In 2023, he helped the Rams to the LSC Tournament Championship final for the first time since 2017, and the Rams' first NCAA Tournament win since 2016.
Angelo State loses Assistant Head Coach Mark Rutledge to Southern Arkansas
(Credit: angelosports.com)
"Mark has done a phenomenal job for our program over the last two years, and his passion and energy will be immediately felt as he builds his program at SAU," said Patel.
This new role is a homecoming for Rutledge, who began his coaching career at Southern Arkansas as a graduate assistant in 2017-18.
"SAU will see in a hurry that Coach Rutledge genuinely cares about his players and their successes on and off the court. As hard as it is to see him leave, I am excited to watch him begin his head coaching career," said Patel. "I truly appreciate all the work he put in to help our program and our players during his time here."
Subscribe to the LIVE! Daily
Required
Post a comment to this article here: