When you’ve been coaching for as long as Lou Ruggiero has, the ebb and flow of running a cross-country program becomes second nature. This year is no exception. This season marks Ruggiero’s 35-year as the head coach at Medford High, and his 44th in the scholastic or college coaching arena. But don’t think for a moment that the longtime track guru’s methods have become routine, or even the least bit ordinary. “I have the same love of the sport today as I did when I was a freshman runner at Malden Catholic,” said Ruggiero, 67. “Being able to help young runners gain a love for running is the true reward.” This season will be a little extra special for the longtime coach, as he’ll be inducted into the Medford Mustangs Hall of Fame. Ruggiero will join an all-star class of 10 new inductees and three honored guests during the ceremony and banquet, Nov. 20 at the Malden Irish American. “It came as a complete surprise,” said Ruggiero, upon learning the news from Mustangs Hall of Fame President Dave Crowley. “I told him I’m still coaching, have done so for the past 38 years, and plan on continue doing something I truly enjoy. I look forward to every practice just like when I started years ago.” Coach Ruggiero will join an all-star class of 10 new inductees and three honored guests during the ceremony and banquet, Nov. 20 at the Malden Irish American. Getting in as a coach is an extra special honor entirely. “When I look at the list of all the outstanding coaches that are in the Hall of Fame, I consider it an honor to be included among these recipients,” said Ruggiero, 67. “We all had the same goal, to make the student athletes at Medford High the best they can be. Realizing that those around you think enough of what you have done for our athletes makes me so very humble.” The longtime track guru has always been on the run. Ruggiero ran four years at Malden Catholic (’66) and four years in college. He set numerous records at Boston State receiving the top athlete award at graduation, and was named to the NAIA All American team. After graduating from Boston State, Ruggiero began teaching Elementary Physical Education in his beloved City of Medford. That’s when the runner turned to coaching. “Working with so many young students was a reward in itself,” said Ruggiero, who remained there for 38 years before retiring, but staying on as a coach. “I coached 10 cross-country seasons at Malden Catholic, before coming to Medford. His 35 years of indoor track coupled by 17 outdoor seasons helped shape him into the grizzled veteran he is today. “I am so lucky to have coached some outstanding athletes and some fine teams,” he said “However what makes me the proudest is that I have over career, had the opportunity to work with hundreds of young enthusiastic individuals. To share with them my knowledge and love of running, of being part of a team and help them believe they can do something they did not think they could do is what I will remember most.” “Wins and losses are important, but not as important as watching my athletes achieve what they though was unattainable.” These days, Ruggiero leads a new wave of Mustangs along with his trusted assistant coach of over 20 years, Tom Lynch, a MHS Hall of Famer in his own right. “That’s been something special,” said Ruggiero. “Between us we try to get the most out of our runners.” As he gears up for the ceremony, Ruggiero is flooded with memories and emotion. “I’m looking forward to share this honor with the other Hall of Fame inductees, to thank those who have allowed me the opportunity to do something I really enjoy and especially to thank all my former athletes from all the years past and present,” he said. “Hopefully during the time we spent together I was able to teach them, not just about running, but through running valuable lessons can be learned that with carry over to our lifelong goals.”
Inducted: 2007