HHS grad gets another chance on diamond

HOUSTON — Russell Ruta was among his school’s top athletes during his four years at Houston High. The 2012 graduate excelled on the football field, basketball court and baseball diamond, and could have possibly had the chance to play at a higher level in any of the three sports.

But baseball was always Ruta’s first love.

Now Ruta has the chance to play baseball at the college level.

Ruta, who stood out at a number of positions for both the Hawks and the Valley-based Alaska Road Warriors American Legion baseball program, has committed to Simpson University in Redding, Calif.

“It’s very exciting,” Ruta said. “My goal was to play college baseball since I can remember.”

Ruta enjoyed playing football and basketball, but his heart was always on the diamond, and now he hopes to earn a position within the Simpson Red Hawks baseball program.

“Baseball was always my thing. I played football and basketball, because that’s what my friends played. It was enjoyable, but baseball is something I’ve been playing since I could walk,” Ruta said.

Ruta is familiar with the Redding area. His parents grew up in that part of California. Earlier in the summer, he had a chance to talk with the Simpson coaches and felt it was a good spot for him. Ruta excelled in several spots in the Hawks and Road Warriors lineups, but he’d like to play second base, he said.

“I feel very comfortable at second base,” Ruta said.

Ruta could also play catcher or in the outfield.

Bill Kramer, who coached Ruta during the player’s four years at Houston High, said Ruta certainly has the potential to find a spot in the Red Hawks infield.

“Russ could play second or third, and he also has range in the outfield,” Kramer said.

Kramer said he’s thrilled to see Ruta have the chance to play at the next level.

“He deserves the opportunity, and he’ll take full advantage of it,” Kramer said. “I’ve been around Russ for the past eight years, and I know it’s been a goal ever since I met him.”

Kramer said Ruta possesses many qualities that could allow him to excel at Simpson.

“He’s not the most vocal player, but he’s a quiet leader. He’s a great athlete and a great human being,” Kramer said. In addition to his play in the field, Kramer said he could make an impact at the plate.

“He’s probably one of the toughest outs I’ve ever seen,” Kramer said. “He’s one of the purest hitters I’ve been fortunate enough to be around up here.”

Some can call Ruta a utility player — Ruta has pitched, played catcher, and in the infield and outfield — but Kramer said his skills take him beyond that.

“He’s a utility player, but that doesn’t mean he’s kind of sorta (good) at each. I think he can come in and compete at each of the spots,” Kramer said. “Everybody wanted Russ. Russ could have played any position for us at the high school level.”

Ruta is one of two Houston players to commit to college programs during the offseason. Scott Kramer has committed to Walla Walla College in Washington.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com, follow him @matsu_sports and find him by searching Valley Sports Huddle on Facebook.