Our Staff in the Community: Vince Ruffino

Q: What is your role at Hug High School?

Assistant Coach - Freshman Boys.

Q: How long have you been involved with them?

This was my first season with the program!

Q: How have you balanced working in the front office with you coaching duties?

We would practice 6 days a week if we were not playing games. When we were playing games, we played 2 games a week with 4 practices in-between. Sunday was our only off day. To say it was challenging would be an understatement. I'm grateful for our leadership team who allowed me to leave the office early, as needed, to maintain this commitment. To keep up with my front office duties, I would often have to work remotely in the evenings or on the weekends. While it was a challenge and sacrifices had to be made, I believe it helped me in so many ways that it was worth it for all involved.

Q: What is your favorite part about coaching?

Easy, the kids - they made every moment worth it. Whether I would be heavy-eyed on a Saturday morning practice or worn down from the season, every time I walked into the gym and began interacting with them it brought a smile to my face and energy to my body. Sometimes I feel like they gave more to me than I was able to give back to them. But seeing these kids try to overcome basic challenges every day that most kids don't (and shouldn't) have to deal with was the most inspiring part. The team was able to build a true brotherly bond throughout the season, and most of us are still keeping in touch even though the season has ended.

Q: What have you learned most about yourself or the community being a coach?

I really enjoyed visiting most Reno high school gyms this winter! This is going on my third year living in Reno, so touring the area via the local high schools really helped me get-to-know the different areas. Also, the high school basketball culture here is highly underrated. I was blown away with the atmospheres and talent in most gyms each week and being a part of that was really cool.

Q: What is your favorite memory from coaching thus far in Northern Nevada? (On the field or off of it)

We played Wooster at home early in our conference season. Now, about a week and a half prior we had lost to them, in their gym, by at least 20 points. We walked away very frustrated from that game – we thought we could give them a much better shot. In the time leading up to the rematch, we had our best practices of the season. Focused, intense two-hour practices with direct strategies toward our second chance. So when gameday arrives, we are ready. (It’s important to also note here we had played only 1 home game about two and a half months into our season, so it was refreshing to be in front of a home crowd). We execute our gameplan in the first half and go in to the locker room with a 9 point lead, albeit with one of our better players in foul trouble. About halfway through the third quarter, he fouls out. Wooster storms back, and ends up with a 4 point lead with about 3-4 minutes to go in the game. I vividly remember a timeout when we all came together, and the look in our players’ eye was that of utter determination. We go on our own run, taking the lead in the last minute on a jumper by a back-up guard and close out the game. The crowd, to us, was deafening. It’s something I will never forget, and with it being one of our few wins, I don’t think any one of the kids will either.

Q: What does it mean to you to get involved with the Northern Nevada Community?

I've always wanted to be a high school basketball coach - I've been coaching the sport since I was in high school myself. To be able to do it here, where there is such a rich local culture, has been such an enjoyable experience. I love that I am able to give back to this sports community and inspire others in the way sports helped shaped my life.

Q: Anything else you'd like to add?

Go Hawks! Follow our program on Twitter @HugsHawksHoops