After spending the last four seasons as an assistant men’s basketball coach at Webber International University, Gabriel Rutledge has been announced as the Interim Head Men’s Basketball Coach for the 2020-21 season by Director of Athletics Darren Richie.
“I am extremely excited and grateful for the opportunity to be the next head men’s basketball coach at Webber International University,” spoke Rutledge. “I’m very appreciative of President Keith Wade and Director of Athletics Darren Richie for giving me the opportunity to lead this wonderful program. I also want to thank my friends and family, especially my wife, Katie, for always being supportive of my goals and dreams. Four years ago, I decided to come back to Webber International University as the assistant coach and now through hard work I have been blessed with an opportunity to continue to impact our student-athletes lives in a positive way while competing for championships as the head coach.”
Before his coaching career at Webber began, Coach Rutledge taught at Gainesville High School (Gainesville, Fla.) and was the school’s Head JV Coach (June 2041 – June 2016), going 43-3 in his first two seasons, including an undefeated season at 23-0 during his second year. Rutledge was named NCFBCA Junior Varsity Coach of the Year in 2015 and in 2016, and he was also an assistant coach for the varsity team at Gainesville High and helped lead the Hurricanes to a state championship appearance and runner-up finish in 2015.
“Coach Rutledge understands the balance on success in the classroom and on the court,” said Richie. “He has a passion as a leader and mentor to lead our basketball program and take the Warriors to the next level.”
As a high school standout at Gainesville High, Rutledge was the team captain his junior and senior years for the Hurricanes, and during his final season he led his team to victory in the 2009 FHSAA Class 6A State Championship.
Following his high school career, Rutledge first came to Webber as a player in 2009 before finishing his career by averaging 9.8 rebounds, 7.6 points and 1.5 blocks per game. Rutledge was named to the All-Sun Conference Second-Team as a senior in 2012-13 and by the time he graduated, he was Webber’s all-time leading rebounder with 901 boards to end his collegiate career.
“As an alum, Webber has always meant a lot to me,” added Rutledge. “I am proud of our recent success we have had on and off the court and look to continue it. I believe in the positive direction the university is heading and plan to continue to move the men’s basketball program in the right direction. We will build a program the student-athletes, alumni, and fans all take great pride in.”
During his time as a coach at Webber so far, which began in July 2016, Rutledge has mentored two all-conference players while the Warriors have defeated five nationally-ranked teams.
Academically, Rutledge earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration (majored in marketing) from Webber International University in May 2013 and is on track to complete his Master of Arts Degree in Sports Administration and Coaching from Bob Jones University in August 2020.
Rutledge takes over as Interim Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Webber International U.
