Coach Ruzich is among a distinguished group of nearly 200 legendary coaches who will be honored at a special luncheon on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Coaches Legacy Award recognizes and celebrates the all-time winningest coaches in NJCAA history.

Now in his 39th season at South Suburban College, Coach Ruzich has amassed an astounding 1,345 career wins, qualifying him for this prestigious honor. He reached his 1,300th win milestone during the 2023 season—a testament to his longevity, leadership, and impact on student-athletes. Over his exceptional career, Ruzich has led the Bulldogs to fifteen regional titles, two JUCO World Series appearances, and nine regional runner-up finishes. In 2005, the Bulldogs achieved a program-best 51-11 record under his guidance, setting the school record for both wins and winning percentage (.823).

“This is a well-deserved honor for a coach who has dedicated his life to developing student-athletes and representing South Suburban College with integrity and excellence,” said SSC President Dr. Lynette Stokes. “Coach Ruzich’s legacy goes far beyond the win column—his mentorship and commitment to our college community have left an indelible mark.”

According to the NJCAA’s official release, this marks the first time in the organization’s history that such recognition has been bestowed upon coaches in this manner.

“Being able to recognize our coaches, past and present, is a wonderful thing for the NJCAA, our member institutions, the coaches, and their families,” said Dr. Christopher Parker, NJCAA President and CEO. “We look forward to having many of these coaches come together for us to celebrate their accomplishments and contributions to the NJCAA later this year.”

SSC extends its heartfelt congratulations to Coach Steve Ruzich on this incredible and historic achievement.

For additional information, please contact Devan Martin at dlmartin@ssc.edu. Learn more about South Suburban College by visiting https://www.ssc.edu

PHOTO: South Suburban College Baseball Coach, Steve Ruzich

Coach Pigatti said: “I am extremely happy for Jemel. This award is well deserved. He led all of college basketball (NCAA, NAIA, NJCAA) in scoring and did it with a versatile game. He grabbed almost 10 rebounds, dished out almost 6 assists and snatched over 3 steals a game. This award validates all of his hard work he put in this season on the court and in the classroom. His game will greatly transpire to the next level of his basketball career and his future is very bright. It was an honor and privilege to coach this fine young man this season”.

South Suburban College is located at 15800 S. State Street in South Holland, IL. For additional information please contact Coach John Pigatti at (708) 596-2000, ext. 2524, or email JPigatti@ssc.edu.

PHOTO: Jemel Jones, South Suburban College Men’s Basketball Team

The team’s remarkable season, marked by perseverance, teamwork, and outstanding performances, is exemplified by their impressive 34-3 record. Key victories include a decisive triumph in the Midwest District A Championship over Waubonsee CC, with a final score of 94-82. Standout players Quentin Heady and Reggie Abram were recognized for their exceptional performances, earning spots on the District Tournament All-Tournament Team, while Jemel Jones secured the title of Tournament MVP.

Advancing to the NJCAA Division II National Championship Tournament, SSC continued its winning streak, securing victories against formidable opponents. In an exhilarating journey to the championship game, the team displayed their skill and determination, ultimately securing the title of National Runner-Up.

Notable individual achievements and recognitions further highlight the team’s excellence. Head Coach Pigatti was honored as the Midwest District A Coach of the Year, a testament to his leadership and dedication. Jemel Jones, named Region IV Player of the Year, achieved remarkable milestones, including scoring over 1000 points in the season and leading college basketball. Quentin Heady and Julius Byrd were also recognized for their exceptional contributions, earning spots on the Region IV 1st and 2nd teams, respectively.

Throughout the season, SSC Men’s Basketball Team achieved numerous milestones, including Coach Pigatti’s 500th career win and the team’s 64th consecutive home game victory. Their consistent dominance in college basketball is reflected in their impressive rankings, finishing the regular season ranked #3 in the country. Additionally, SSC holds the distinction of being the winningest basketball program in college basketball over the past 18 seasons.

“It was quite the season. Our players accomplished a lot this season. I am very proud of their commitment, work ethic and their ability to overcome a lot of adversity this season. To get to the National Championship game was quite an accomplishment. We had a lot of accolades this season, but more importantly was their ability to come together as a team and grow as young men. The 2023-24 Men’s Basketball team has a lot to be proud of.”

South Suburban College congratulates the Men’s Basketball Team on their outstanding season and looks forward to continued success in the years to come.

View Postseason Honors:

Won the NJCAA Midwest District A Championship:
*Defeated Waubonsee Community College (94-82) for the Title
*2 Players Named to the District All-Tournament Team: Quentin Heady and Reggie Abram
*Tournament MVP: Jemel Jones

Runner-Up at the NJCAA Division II National Championship Tournament:
*1st Round: Defeated Florida State College – Jacksonville (86-79)
*Quarterfinal Game: Defeated Parkland College (79-70)
*Semifinal Game (Final 4): Defeated Ellsworth Community College (89-75)
*Championship Game: Defeated by National Park College (84-79)
*3 Players Named to the National All-Tournament Team: Jemel Jones, Julius Byrd and Quentin Heady
*Jemel Jones Led All Players in Scoring at the National Tournament with 147 Points

More Notable Recognition for Student-Athletes and Coaching Staff:
*National Association of Basketball Coaches selected Jemel Jones to the ’23-’24 NJCAA DII All-America Team The NABC also named Jones the National 2-Year College Player-of-the-Year
*Jemel Jones Named NJCAA DII National Player-of-the-Year: Jones is the Fourth Student-Athlete in the Last Five Years to Earn this Recognition Under Coach Pigatti’s Leadership
*Coach Pigatti Named Midwest District A Coach of the Year (13th Time in 18 Seasons at SSC)
*Jemel Jones Named Region IV Player-of the Year (This season, Jemel was named National Player of the Week twice, scored over 1,000 points, and led all of college basketball (regardless of division: NCAA, NJCAA, NAIA) in scoring.)
*Quentin Heady Named Region IV 1st Team All-American
*Julius Byrd Named Region IV 2nd Team All-American

Ranking & Milestones Reached in 2023-2024 Season:
*Bulldogs Won Their 64th Consecutive Home Game
*Coach Pigatti Earned 500th Career Win at Game on December 16, 2023
*Coach Pigatti’s Record as SSC Men’s Head Basketball Coach: 523-93
*Coach Pigatti has Most Wins at the National Championship Tournament of Any Coach in History
*SSC Men’s Basketball Team Has the Most NJCAA Division II National Tournament Appearances of Any Team in the Country
*Over The Past 18 Seasons, the Men’s Basketball Team had the Most National Players of the Year, and the Most 1st Team All Americans of Any School in the Nation
*SSC Men’s Basketball Team Finished the Regular Season Ranked 3rd in the Country
*SSC Men’s Basketball Team Ranked #1 at Least 9 Times in the Past 18 Seasons
*SSC Men’s Basketball Team Ranked in Top 15 Poll Every Year Under Coach Pigatti’s Leadership (18 Seasons)
*Over the Past 18 Seasons, the Bulldogs are Winningest Program in All of College Basketball

IMAGE: National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) logo.

The #3 ranked Bulldogs won the Midwest District A Championship on Saturday, March 9th with a 94-82 victory over Waubonsee Community College. SSC was led in scoring by sophomore guard Jemel Jones’ 29 points. Jemel also grabbed nine (9) rebounds and dished out eight (8) assists. Jones’ teammates played together in harmony! Three (3) sophomore guards scored in double figures: Chris Harrison (16 pts.), Reggie Abram (14pts.), and Julius Byrd (11 pts.) Freshman forward Quentin Heady also scored in double figures for SSC as he chipped in 14 pts), while grabbing eight (8) rebounds. Teammates Heady and Abram were named to the All-Tournament Team. Jones was named the Tourney MVP. We commend our men’s basketball team for a job well done!

Special acknowledgment to Coach John Pigatti and his commitment to excellence by earning Midwest District A Coach of the Year Award (it is his 13th time in 18 seasons winning this prestigious award)!

For more information on the Men’s Basketball Team, contact Coach John Pigatti via email at jpigatti@ssc.edu or call (708) 596-2000 Ext. 2524.

PHOTO: South Suburban College Bulldogs (Men’s Basketball Team)

The Bulldogs will kick off the upcoming season on Wednesday, November 1st, with a home game against Trinity Christian (JV) at 7:00 p.m. Under the guidance of Coach Pigatti, who enters his 18th season, the Bulldogs are steadfast in pursuing their 13th Region IV title. In 2022, the team made history as the sole undefeated team to win a National Championship. The 2023-24 roster features Jemel Jones, the nation’s leading returning scorer, alongside eight players hailing from the northwest Indiana and southern Chicago suburbs.

To learn more about SSC’s Athletic Program, please get in touch with Athletic Director Steve Ruzich at sruzich@ssc.edu or call (708) 596-2000, ext. 5843. SSC’s primary campus is located at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois, with its Oak Forest Center extension located at 16333 South Kilbourn Avenue, Oak Forest, Illinois.

PICTURED: The 2023-2024 South Suburban College Men’s Basketball Team.

The same day that WGN-TV visited Bulldogs Stadium, the SSC Men’s Baseball Team pulled off a 10-0 win over Kishwaukee College in the first round of the playoffs. Following this victory, the Bulldogs moved on to play Triton College in the tournament. They defeated the Trojans 20-10 on Thursday, May 11, and 5-3 on Saturday, May 13 to claim the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region IV Division I Baseball Championship.

SSC’s own Dawson Tanner, a sophomore outfielder from Canada, was named the tournament’s most valuable player. Head Coach Steve Ruzich was also named Region IV Coach of the Year. The 40-19 Bulldogs advance to the Midwest District in Centerville, Iowa. The winner of this double-elimination tournament will advance to the World Series in Grand Junction, Colorado.

The SSC Softball Team brought in wins of their own to conclude their regular season. On Monday, May 15, they defeated Bryant and Stratton College of Milwaukee 10-9 at home to earn the NJCAA Region IV Division II Midwest A District Championship. The 36-12 Lady Bulldogs advance to the national tournament in Spartanburg, South Carolina. They will represent SSC at the NJCAA DII Women’s Softball World Series beginning on Tuesday, May 23.

The full news story from WGN-TV released on Thursday, May 11, is accessible at: https://tinyurl.com/4k35hh5a. The SSC Athletics department is located in the Physical Fitness & Athletic Center on the Main Campus located at 15800 South State Street in South Holland, IL. For more information about Bulldogs Athletics, contact SSC Athletic Director Steve Ruzich at sruzich@ssc.edu or call (708) 596-2000, ext. 5843.
 

“I want to thank everyone here for all the administrative support to make something like this happen. It takes a lot as we want to ensure we run a program where students can evolve to be productive citizens. The young ladies on my team are community members, and some are children of SSC graduates,” stated Coach Gonzalez.

Coach Gonzalez, current Dean at Thornwood High School and voted District Coach of the Year in the last two seasons, has had two Regional Players of the Year, two All-American players, and two Academic All-Americans. SSC student Amaris Gonzalez was named the United Soccer Coaches Association Soccer Scholar-Athlete of the Year. In addition, he has recently had two players commit to play for four-year institutions, one for Indiana University Northwest and Purdue University.

During the evening board celebration, the SSC Board of Trustees acknowledged the accomplishments of Coach Gonzalez and the entire athletic division at SSC. In an emotional statement, SSC Trustee Joseph Whittington congratulated Coach Gonzalez, “I watched him grow, and I want to let you know you have a great future. Thank you from the SSC Board of Trustees and the local community.”

Later in the evening, Dr. Deborah Baness King, the SSC Vice-President of Student & Enrollment Services/Title IX Coordinator, announced that the SSC athletic division accomplished a historic feat, as all its’ sports teams have at some point won a regional championship. SSC Chairman Terry Wells continued his sentiments of the historic feat by stating that the soccer team joins other successful SSC sports teams, such as the men’s basketball and the men’s baseball teams, in successful runs.

“We are really the school of champions, and it was confirmed tonight. Excellent job!” stated Chairman Wells.

If you are interested in participating in the SSC Women’s Soccer program, contact Coach Jose Gonzalez, SSC’S Women’s Soccer Coach, at (708) 596-2000 ext. 2002 or via email at jgonzalez@ssc.edu. The South Suburban College Main Campus is located at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois. The college’s extension site, the Oak Forest Center, is located at 16333 South Kilbourn Avenue, Oak Forest, Illinois.

During his robust coaching career, he has won 12 Region IV Championships at SSC and has been named Region IV Coach of the Year 12 times. In addition, Pigatti has coached the last three national players of the year with five total. He has had 16 All-Americans and 13 named to the 1st team. Last season he received the National Two-Year College Coach of the Year award and was the 2017 College Insider’s Jack Bennett Man-of-the-Year Recipient.

If you want to learn more about SSC’s Athletic Program, contact Steve Ruzich, Athletic Director, at (708) 596-2000, ext. 2524. SSC’s main campus is located at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois. The college’s extension site, the Oak Forest Center, is located at 16333 South Kilbourn Avenue, Oak Forest, Illinois.

“It was a challenging season dealing with the horrible spring weather. I am so proud of these players for what they accomplished. They were dedicated and worked hard, which is why they are champions,” stated Coach Ruzich.

Coach Ruzich has had twenty-four players drafted by major league teams, including six players that have reached the big leagues. As a previous player, Steve was named second-team All-American Catcher, All-District Catcher, and All-Area Catcher.

During the evening board celebration, the SSC Board of Trustees acknowledged the accomplishments of Coach Ruzich and the baseball team while encouraging continued success in 2023. SSC Chairman Terry Wells added that the baseball team joins other successful SSC sports teams, such as the Women’s Soccer Team and the Men’s Basketball Team, in successful runs.

“We should consider adding the school of champions to our moniker in the future, Congrats Team,” stated Chairman Wells.

In an interview with the SSC PR team, baseball player Donavan Noble stated, “Being recognized by the SSC Board Members was an honor. Listening to what they said in terms of congratulating us meant a lot. I want to give a big thank you to all of them.” Noble stated that he looks forward to working with his teammates and reaching new heights as a team for the 2023 season.

If you are interested in participating in the SSC Men’s Baseball program, contact Coach Steve Ruzich, Director of Athletics, at (708) 596-2000 ext. 5843 or via email at sruzich@ssc.edu. The South Suburban College Main Campus is located at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois. The college’s extension site, the Oak Forest Center, is located at 16333 South Kilbourn Avenue, Oak Forest, Illinois.