Xavier University Athletics
Hall of Fame
- Induction:
- 1997
- Class:
- 1951
Don Ruberg, known as "Ruby", is best known to most Xavier fans as a basketball coach but he also distinguished himself as a Xavier student-athlete, especially on the baseball field but also in basketball. Ruberg came to Xavier as an undergrad after an outstanding career as an all-city baseball and basketball player at Elder High School. He was also a member and captain of Joe Hawk's 1945 and 1946 nationally-recognized Bently Post American Legion teams, and was named to the National Finals All-Star Team as an outfielder.
At Xavier, he was converted to pitcher and posted 15 wins on the mound. At other times he started in left field. He was also an outstanding hitter. His coach, Ned Wulk, said, "Don was the heart and soul of my teams for three years."
During his senior year, Xavier had an excellent season beating such teams as Ohio and Miami. He also pitched a 16-4 victory over the UC Bearcats. XU was offered its first NCAA postseason berth that year, but, unfortunately, had to decline due to lack of finances.
Ruberg was also a contributing member of the Xavier basketball team, using his two-hand set shot to destroy zone defenses. He was fierce, competitive and extremely dedicated with tenacious defensive skills. Ruberg helped Xavier to 44 wins during his varsity career.
Ruberg signed with the Cleveland Indians after completing college and pitched one year with Cedar Rapids in the Three-I League before being called into the armed forces.
After serving on the front line in the Korean conflict, Ruberg returned to Elder as the basketball and baseball coach. He helped lead the Panthers to the semifinals of the Class AA basketball tournament twice.
He rejoined XU as the freshman and assistant varsity basketball coach in 1956. Ruberg made significant contributions to Jim McCafferty's 1958 NIT Championship team. McCafferty stated, "Don was extremely skilled at watching the execution of both teams and passing on suggestions."
As freshman coach, Ruberg posted an impressive 91-39 record. His biggest win came against Oscar Roberston and the talented UC freshman team of 1956-57.
In 1957 he became Head Baseball Coach and Director of Intramurals. His baseball teams were extremely competitive and fun to watch. Ruberg served as XU head basketball coach from 1963-67, compiling a 52-51 mark, good for a .505 winning percentage. Ruberg's first season was his best when XU finished 16-10 in 1963-64.
