Sports

Ruland Turning Around UDC Basketball

Sachem alum back to winning ways with college team.

The University of the District Columbia hired because of his winning prowess and competitive nature. A little over a year after he was hired, he has turned the Firebirds into a contender with a 9-1 record so far this season.

A blog article this week on the Washington City Paper website talks about the major resurgence of the Firebirds under Ruland, a Sachem alum who played in the NBA and has spent a number of years coaching at Iona and in the NBA.

With Virgnia Tech castoff Nigel Munson and Binghamton transfer Brandon Herbert, Ruland has a talented roster of upperclassmen that just want an opportunity to play.

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In a poll on the UDC website, the men's basketball team ranks first among university programs most likely to win an East Coast Conference title this year. It's a long way from playing with just four men on the floor at times last season.

Ruland is one of four Sachem alums to have their jersey number (No. 43) retired and the only basketball player - at least until January 7 when Nicole Kaczmarski gets her jersey on the wall.

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