Thursday, March 28, 2024

Coach Mike Rude’s 200th career win

Vienna-Goreville’s victory over Sesser-Valier-Waltonville-Woodlawn Saturday gave head coach Mike Rude his 200th career win. Rude joins Du Quoin’s former head coach Al Martin as the only two coaches in Southern Illinois to have reached that milestone.

The victory also puts coach Rude among the top 50 winningest coaches in the state of Illinois – giving him a career mark of 200-145.

But, Rude was more excited for the V-G team’s win. The Eagles have real opportunity this year to make it into the playoffs, with two more wins.

Rude takes little credit for his coaching success. “I’ve been a very fortunate man,” he said. He gives the credit to the boys and assistant coaches that he’s had over the years.

Coach Rude began his coaching career at Wyanet in 1970.

He coached five seasons at Anna-Jonesboro, 1977-80, being credited for rebuilding a failing program.

In 1982 he took the reins at Marion. He molded the Wildcats there for nine years, leading them to five consecutive play-off spots.

His biggest success story was while leading Johnston City, beginning in 1991. Rude compiled a 111-53 record over a 16-year span and made 12 play-off appearances over tenure there.

In the short three and half years since the inaugural game played August 29, 2009, coach Rude has led the young, baseball-loving, basketball-loving and inexperienced Vienna-Goreville program to an 11-20 record.

One comment

  1. Mike Rude becomes 50th Coach in Illinois Football History to win 200 games in his career. 200*, Mike Rude (200-145) .580 Wyanet 1970-71 (3-13) .188; Anna (A.-Jonesboro) 1977-81 (20-25) .444; Marion (H.S.) 1982-90 (55-34) .618; Johnston City 1991-2006 (111-53) .677; Vienna 2009-2012 (11-20) .355 Current Season (3-1)