Rutenbar joined the Southeastern staff after spending 28 years as the head coach of the Yellow Jackets, amassing a career record of 735-133-1 and advancing to the state final four 16 times. This includes a streak of 10 consecutive championship game appearances from 1997-2006. His 2003 team went 32-0-1, and were named National Champions by USA Today.

“Coach Rutenbar has a history of winning big, and I believe he will help us in many ways towards our goal of winning big,” said Welsh. “Not only is he a proven winner, but he’s committed to mission of Southeastern University and the goals of our softball program.”

As a player, Rutenbar was an all-state second baseman at Mott Community College and Spring Arbor College in Michigan, playing in both the Junior College World Series and NAIA World Series.