Sandusky native Scott Ruthsatz has built hoops powerhouse in Kentucky

COVINGTON, Ky. — Sandusky native Scott Ruthsatz and his Covington Catholic High School boys basketball team is like many others in the country waiting for the coronavirus to run its course. He has a good reason for wanting life to return to normal. Ruthsatz, a 1992 St. Mary Central Catholic graduate, has his team in the Kentucky state tournament for the fifth time in his nine-year coaching career at the all-boys school, located across the Ohio River from Cincinnati. "We're in the same boat as the teams in Ohio with the state tournament called off because of this virus," Ruthsatz said. "I understand what had to be done with all this mess, but I still feel sorry for the kids, especially the seven seniors and the Colonel Crazies. "Those are the kids who have supported us all the way through since I've been here. We have as many as 400 of the 550 students at our games, especially in the tournaments. It's like what you see when Duke plays its home games with the student body." Covington Catholic won its regional last week, defeating Highland 59-54. That secured one of 16 spots in the single-class state tourney, played over four days in Lexington. Ruthsatz's team was scheduled to play Thursday night, but the Kentucky High School Athletic Association has suspended all events until April 12. "The kids and myself were really looking forward to going back to Rupp Arena, but that's apparently not going to happen," Ruthsatz said. Ruthsatz, 46, previously took the Colonels to the finals, where his team beat rival Scott County for the state title in 2014 and 2018. "Two of my sons, Nick and Aiden, were the point guards on those teams, Nick in 2014 and Aiden in 2018," Ruthsatz said. "I don't have any sons on this year's squad, but Nolan is in the seventh grade and Aaron is in the third grade and I hope I'll get a chance to coach them in the future. "As you may know, Kentucky has just one state champion. In all, more than 300 schools are in the same tournament. We played Scott County a year ago in the opening round and lost, and Scott County is also in this year's state tournament, if played." If the state tournament is played, Covington Catholic could play games four days in a row if it keeps winning. "One thing about Kentucky, none of the 16 teams are seeded so you just go with the luck of the draw," Ruthsatz said. "That's why we ended up playing Scott County a year ago right off the bat. We are in different brackets this year, if the tournament ever comes to be. "Our record right now is 29-5 and I believe this year's group came of age in a Christmas tournament in Florida, which we won. I have another outstanding point guard in Grant Disken, who is our leading scorer. We also have a 7-1 transfer and a 6-5 freshman who have contributed a lot," he added. Covington Catholic started the season slowly, losing to a pair of Ohio teams — Cincinnati La Salle and Cincinnati Taft — but has come back strong. Ruthsatz's record at Covington Catholic is 256-59. The Colonels were 17-14 in his first season, then came back in his second season to go 33-2 and win his first state title. Covington has won 27 games or more in each season since that first season under Ruthsatz. Ruthsatz was the head coach at St. Mary CC in 2007-08 and compiled an 18-5 record. He then moved with his family to New Jersey, where he was an assistant coach under legendary prep coach Bob Hurley Sr., whom he is in touch with from time to time. "I may need him for some advice and he's always there for me," Ruthsatz said. Ruthsatz and his wife, Jessy, are the parents of seven children, including daughters Madelyn, Marina and Colleen. His parents, Paul and Ruth Ruthsatz, still reside in Sandusky and have been great supporters of their son's his team and his family.