Henderson State men’s basketball assistant Mark Rutledge has been promoted to the title of associate head coach, the program announced.
Rutledge, who is entering his third season with the Reddies, has been instrumental as the right-hand man to head coach Jimmy Elgas since coming on in 2018 and played a key role in leading Henderson to its first conference title in 17 years last season. HSU is 42-19 overall since Rutledge has been on staff.
“Coach Rutledge has been an integral part of our on the court and off the court successes within our basketball program since his arrival,” Elgas said. “From a basketball coaching perspective, he is tremendous with his teaching abilities, player development, game planning and recruiting, but also has the ability to assist in organizing our academic program, organize budgets and be a liaison for our program throughout the Henderson campus. While all of these qualities make Mark so successful as a coach, what stands out even more is who he is as a person. His character, integrity and work ethic make him an absolutely elite person and coach. We are excited about his future and I am so thankful to have him as our associate head coach at Henderson State University.”
A native of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Rutledge has made previous coaching stops as a student assistant at Central Arkansas and as a graduate assistant at Southern Arkansas. He played for UCA from 2010 to 2012 and started in 56 games during his two year career before a brief stint in professional basketball in both the Independent Basketball Association and Albania.
“I am honored and thankful to be named the associate head coach of a program that I love and care deeply for,” Rutledge said. “Thank you to Jimmy Elgas and Shawn Jones for their continued trust and mentorship throughout my career here. I will forever be grateful for this opportunity and I look forward to many years of continued success together.”
Rutledge promoted to Associate Head Coach at Henderson State
