Ruark will take over AD duties at Central

The longtime coach and administrator will follow Darrick Smith in the position.

The Cape Girardeau Board of Education did not have to look far for its new athletic director.

Mark Ruark, an assistant principal at Central High School, recently was named to replace Darrick Smith as AD. Ruark was introduced to Central faculty last Friday, and the school made the official announcement following Monday's board meeting.

"We were very interested in Mark not only because the experience and expertise we would be getting," said Central principal Dr. Mike Cowan, "but also because of the continuity he would bring. He knows the traditions, and he knows the expectations we have from our coaches."

Ruark was a coach at Central for several years, guiding the girls basketball team for 10 years and the track program for nine. He also coached junior high football for five years.

During Ruark's run of nine consecutive years as the girls basketball coach, he led the program to its only state final four appearance, in 1989. That was the program's third district title in a four-year span and also its most recent.

Ruark, 46, said the girls basketball program, a coaching position vacated by softball coach Amy Blattel at the end of the 2004-05 season, is among the most pressing issues for the athletic department.

"We need a women's basketball coach who is committed to rebuilding it," Ruark said. "Since I left in 1994, this will be the sixth coach in 12 years. That's not good for a program, and the record reflects that."

Ruark has been in the school district for 20 years, including the last 11 as assistant principal. Cowan said Ruark's duties were "extensive" and included student discipline and safety and security.

"I think one of the things that gives me an advantage is that I have 11 years of administrative experience going in," Ruark said. "Both Terry Kitchen and Darrick Smith did an excellent job and worked themselves to death doing it. They went straight out of the classroom to the athletic directorship. It won't be as big as an adjustment to me because of the administrative work I've done."

Smith, who had the AD position for two years, cited the amount of time required while he also juggled time with his family.

Smith and Ruark are addressing the girls basketball program and also filling out the football coaching staff during the transitional period, Ruark said.

"I'm really excited about the direction," Ruark said. "I've been in Cape 20 years, I love Central High School, and I love the Orange and Black. This will be the third athletic director in five years, and I thought they needed someone who could give some stability to the athletic department. With my experience as a coach and administrator, I thought it was a good fit for me and for the school district."