Mark Rutledge enters into his first year as a graduate assistant coach for the Mulerider basketball team.
A native of Tulsa, Okla., Rutledge comes to SAU after spending time as a student assistant at the University of Central Arkansas as he completed his Bachelor’s of Science degree in Health Education. Prior to his time as a student assistant, Rutledge played his final two seasons on the hardwood for the UCA Bears, starting 56 of 57 games across the 2010-11 and 2011-12 seasons. Over his two-year career at UCA, Rutledge averaged 8.7 points per game and was a 43% shooter overall from the floor.
After finishing at UCA, Rutledge had a brief professional career with the Battle Creek Knights of the Independent Basketball Association and an overseas stint with the Shoqata Tirana of the Albania Superliga.
Before arriving at UCA, Rutledge played junior college basketball at the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith and at Connors State College. At Connors, Rutledge averaged 13.1 points per game and was named second-team All-Region. Additionally, he helped lead the Cowboys to a Region 2 Championship and an appearance in the NJCAA National Tournament.
In his prep days, Rutledge was a standout player at Thomas Edison Preparatory School where he was named Tulsa World All-Metro three times and was named to the state all-tournament team as a senior. Rutledge was also selected to the Elite Eight by KTUL Channel 8.
Rutledge is the son of Mark and Fay Rutledge and the brother of Nia and Rodney Rutledge. He and his wife Monica have a son, Elijah, and the couple resides in Magnolia.
