Not many college athletes play two sports, so competing in three would be virtually unheard of. Becoming a four-year starter in all three of those sports would be perceived as impossible, but that’s exactly what Dick Ruh did.

Ruh graduated from Otterbein in 1955 with a degree in physical education and a staggering 12 varsity letters spread evenly across football, basketball, and baseball. He was the first Cardinal athlete to ever receive 12 varsity letters, with Otterbein legend Dick Reynolds later becoming the second in the 1960’s. Standing approximately 6-2 and 200 pounds, Ruh served as a tight end on the football field, forward on the basketball court, and first baseman when on the baseball diamond.

A quiet yet dependable leader, Dick graduated from Columbus South High School and commuted to Otterbein throughout his four years. He never bragged about his athletic accomplishments, and most people on campus outside of coaches, teammates, and fraternity brothers only recognized him through his outstanding performances on the playing surface.

Dick went into a 34-year teaching and coaching career after graduation, spending six years in Licking County before moving back to work in Columbus Public Schools and obtain a master’s degree at Ohio State University. He taught and coached both basketball and baseball at Homer High School, Utica High School, Dominion Junior High School, and Beechcroft High School.

Dick married fellow Otterbein graduate Lois Kauffman, who was also involved in athletics around Otterbein with recreational volleyball and basketball. The couple has two children and one granddaughter.