Softball head coach Mike Ruechel had his retirement announced by UB Athletics on Monday, after spending eight seasons with the Bulls. Ruechel came in as an interim head coach in 2018 before becoming the permanent head coach before the 2020 season.
Ruechel has made many achievements during his time at UB, including 13 All-Mid-American Conference (MAC) players and 29 Academic All-MAC Players. Ruechel broke a program-record for most Academic All-MAC players with seven in 2022 and again in 2024.
Ruechel came in ready to work in 2018, increasing slugging percentage, on base percentage and increasing scoring to almost 50 more runs in his first season. This continued in 2019, when the Bulls offensive statistics — including number of home runs, doubles, walks and on-base percentage — increased significantly.
In 2021, Ruechel coached the team to 16 conference wins, marking the most the Bulls had won since joining the MAC and the Bulls’ highest winning percentage since 2014. He also broke the program’s home run record, with 64 home runs between nine players.
Prior to his time at UB, Ruechel was an assistant coach at Indiana Wesleyan University for two years. Before that he was a hitting coach for the Lake Erie Crushers, Southeastern Illinois College and Judson University.
“Mike was committed to developing our student-athletes on the field, in the classroom and in the community,” UB Vice President and Director of Athletics Mark Alnutt said.
Izabella Ducato is the editor-in-chief and can be reached at izabella.ducato@ubspectrum.com
