Eric Ruska
Brooklyn Park,MN
Summary
Mission-driven Athletic Director with 20+ years of experience leading high-performing, student-centered athletic programs. Proven track record in strategic leadership, coach development, and navigating complex school systems to elevate student-athlete success. Expertise in budget management, facilities, compliance, and community partnerships that drive inclusive programs and measurable impact.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Science Teacher
Maple Grove Senior High
Maple Grove, Minnesota
08.2025 - Current
- Developed engaging lesson plans aligned with state science standards to enhance understanding of scientific concepts.
- Facilitated hands-on experiments that promoted inquiry-based learning among students.
- Established clear expectations and guidelines to manage classroom behavior and foster a positive environment.
- Evaluated student performance through tests, quizzes, and projects to assess comprehension.
- Cultivated strong study habits and life-long learning skills in students for future academic success.
ACTIVITIES DIRECTOR
St. Cloud Tech High School
St. Cloud, MN
08.2021 - 02.2025
- Provided strategic leadership and day-to-day oversight of comprehensive interscholastic athletics and activities program serving a diverse student body.
- Led, supervised, and evaluated coaches, assistant coaches, and support staff; established expectations aligned with school mission, values, and student development best practices.
- Administered activities budget in partnership with district leadership, ensuring fiscal responsibility and program sustainability.
- Increased department fundraising 5% each year
- Implemented systems for facilities use, scheduling, equipment management, and event operations to enhance safety and equitable access.
- Oversaw contest scheduling, officials, transportation, security, and event staffing for regular season and postseason competitions.
- Ensured full compliance with Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) rules, district policies, and eligibility requirements.
- Analyzed and reported program data (participation, eligibility, fees, gate receipts, awards, and MSHSL reporting) to inform continuous improvement efforts.
- Increased participation in activities 3-5% each year.
- Served as visible presence at home events, modeling expectations for sportsmanship, community engagement, and student conduct.
- Built and sustained strong relationships with students, families, staff, alumni, and conference colleagues.
- Hosted numerous state level conferences & contests
HEAD SOFTBALL COACH
Osseo Senior High
Osseo, MN
02.2001 - 06.2021
- Established and maintained values-centered program prioritizing character, teamwork, and leadership development for athlete growth.
- Resulted in numerous all-state players, college athletes, and two state tournament appearances.
- Developed comprehensive season-long plans to evaluate athlete performance and manage team selection.
- Communicated clear expectations to families, fostering enhanced engagement and support.
SCIENCE TEACHER
Osseo Senior High
Osseo, MN
08.2000 - 06.2021
- Designed inquiry-based curriculum and laboratory experiences that enhanced students' critical thinking and ethical reasoning skills through real-world applications.
- Fostered inclusive classroom environments that increased student engagement, accountability, and academic growth.
HEAD GIRLS TENNIS COACH
Osseo Senior High
Osseo, MN
07.2010 - 05.2021
- Developed and executed training programs, enhancing skill development for athletes at all levels.
- Fostered positive environment, gaining support from players, parents, and assistant coaching staff.
- Developed lesson plans tailored to individual player needs and goals.
ASSISTANT COACH - BOYS HOCKEY
Osseo Senior High
Osseo, MN
11.2018 - 03.2021
ASSISTANT COACH - GIRLS BASKETBALL
Osseo Senior High
Osseo, MN
11.2003 - 04.2017
Education
Master of Arts - Athletic Administration
Concordia University
Irvine06-2020
Masters of Education - Science Education
University of Minnesota
Twin CitiesBachelor of Science - Biology
University of Minnesota
Twin CitiesSkills
- Event planning and coordination
- Athletics management
- Program and budget development
- Facility management
- Team leadership and management
- Conflict resolution
- Effective communication
- Relationship building
Leadership & Professional Engagement
- MSHSL Representative Assembly - 8AA Rep, 2022-2025
- NIAAA National Conference Attendee, Austin, TX, 2024
- MNIAAA & NIAAA Member, 2020-2025
- MSHSL State Football Quarterfinal Host, 2021-2024
- MSHSL Media Steward - State Football, Soccer, Basketball, 2022-2024
- MSHSL 'Together We Make a Difference' Host, 2022
Certification
- MN Teaching License - Science Education, State of Minnesota, 05/01/26
- CPR/First Aid/AED Certified, 05/01/25
- Registered Athletic Administrator (RAA), National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association, 2023
- Certified Athletic Administrator (CAA), NIAAA, exam to be scheduled
Technical Skills
Adobe Photoshop, rSchool Today, ArbiterOne, Affinety, VancoEvents, GoFan Ticketing, Hometown Ticketing, Hudl Suite, Frontline for Hiring, Standards for Success, EduClimber, Sport Engine, Schoology, all Social Media platforms, YouTube, Remind, PhotoCircle, TeamReach
Leadership Philosophy
Athletics extend a school’s educational mission by developing the whole student—fostering character, resilience, empathy, belonging, and a commitment to excellence with integrity. Provides strategic leadership for comprehensive athletic programs that prioritize student voice, equitable access, and meaningful growth experiences. Builds inclusive, high-performing systems that strengthen school culture and align with community values.
- linkedin.com/in/eric-ruska/
Timeline
Science Teacher
Maple Grove Senior High
08.2025 - Current
ACTIVITIES DIRECTOR
St. Cloud Tech High School
08.2021 - 02.2025
ASSISTANT COACH - BOYS HOCKEY
Osseo Senior High
11.2018 - 03.2021
HEAD GIRLS TENNIS COACH
Osseo Senior High
07.2010 - 05.2021
ASSISTANT COACH - GIRLS BASKETBALL
Osseo Senior High
11.2003 - 04.2017
HEAD SOFTBALL COACH
Osseo Senior High
02.2001 - 06.2021
SCIENCE TEACHER
Osseo Senior High
08.2000 - 06.2021
Master of Arts - Athletic Administration
Concordia University
Masters of Education - Science Education
University of Minnesota
Bachelor of Science - Biology
University of Minnesota