HOMETOWN: Kutztown, Pa.
EDUCATION: B.S., Mansfield, 2013
M.S., California (Pa.), 2018
EXPERIENCE: Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach, Siena, 2014-15
Head Strength & Conditioning Coach, Mansfield, 2015-19
Head Strength & Conditioning Coach, Siena, 2019-24
Assistant Director of Athletics, Sports Performance, Hampton, 2024-present
With 10 years of experience in the profession, Ernest Ruch (pronounced Rook), was named assistant director of athletics for sports performance at Hampton in April 2024.
The native of Allentown, Pa., began his professional career as a strength and conditioning intern at St. Rose in 2014 where he worked with the volleyball, men’s and women’s soccer teams. He moved to the Division I level at Siena where he worked as assistant director of strength and conditioning for one season before returning to his alma mater, Mansfield University, as head strength and conditioning coach from 2015-19.
At Mansfield University he implemented a number of innovative and creative programs. He started the Iron Mountie of the Month and Summer Programs to recognize student-athletes in each sport for dedication in the weight room. He also designated a male and female Iron Mountie of the Year at the conclusion of the academic year.
He returned to Siena in 2019 as head strength and conditioning coach. In addition to supervising the strength and conditioning staff, he oversaw the fueling station for student-athletes and was a member of the mental health team. He was part of multiple conference championships including men’s basketball in 2019-20.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in sports nutrition from Mansfield in 2013 and a master’s degree from California (Pa.) in 2018. During his undergraduate days, he was a member of Mansfield University’s baseball team where he had a career batting average of .312 as a catcher and first baseman.
Ruch has a number of professional certifications including CSCS-NSCA, PES-NASM, USAW, CPR/AED-American Red Cross.
