Ruh’s leadership has earned him numerous accolades including multiple South Coast Conference (SCC) Men's Swimming and Men's Water Polo Coach of the Year Awards. He was awarded the prestigious 3C2A State Men's Swimming Coach of the Year in 2014 and Southern California Water Polo Coach of the Year in 2024.  

Under Ruh's guidance, Mt. SAC has clinched an impressive collection of titles: 12 men’s swimming, three women’s swimming, two men’s water polo, and one women’s water polo conference championships. His mentorship has propelled nearly 200 individuals to achieving over 600 swimming and diving All-American honors and over 60 individuals earning All-American water polo honors. 

Ruh’s teams have accumulated 622 water polo victories (108 with the women from 1995-2001 and 514 with the men from 1995-2023). Additionally, his swimming teams have secured 224 wins (46 with the women from 1995-2004 and 178 with the men from 1995-2024). 

Before his tenure at Mt. SAC, Ruh honed his coaching skills at Walnut High School, where he served as the Head Water Polo and Swimming Coach from 1989 to 1994. He led his teams to four Women’s and two Men’s CIF Swimming Championships, further cementing his reputation for excellence. 

As an athlete at Walnut High School, Ruh was an All-American in swimming and competed in water polo, cross country, and track and field. His career continued at Mt. SAC and later at UC Santa Barbara, where he was a member of the 1985 Water Polo Team that placed 4th at the NCAA Division I Championships. 

Beyond coaching, Ruh has served as the Assistant Director of Athletics for the past twelve years and is deeply rooted in the swimming and water polo community. He has held executive roles in the State Water Polo and Swimming Coaches Associations and is the South Coast Conference representative for both sports. His expertise was recognized globally when he was selected as the Assistant Water Polo Coach for the USA at the 2003 World University Games and as the Head Water Polo Coach for the 2005 Deaf Olympic Games.  

Ruh holds a bachelor's degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara and a master's degree in education with an emphasis in physical education from Azusa Pacific University. 

Marc Ruh’s legacy is further enriched by his family ties to Mt. SAC, as the son of legendary Track and Field Coach Don Ruh. A lifelong resident of Walnut, Marc lives with his wife Lani and their children Campbell and Riley. 

Updated 07-23-24