Ruffino signs on with D-II AIU
Section MVP 1st signing for Chico High football since D.J. Miller in 2016
CHICO » Sam Ruffino made a name for himself in his final season with the Chico High football team, leading the Panthers to their first Northern Section Championship since 1990 as a captain and offensive and defensive lineman.
Friday, in front of his coaches and teammates, Ruffino signed his letter of intent to continue his football playing career at the collegiate level with Division II American International University in Springfield, Massachusetts.
“It’s everything I’ve ever worked for in my life,” Ruffino said. “The last four years I’ve dedicated myself to getting to the next level and being able to play college football, and it’s just a blessing. I’ve had a lot of opportunities, but I went on a few visits and I found the right place.”
Ruffino will play guard for American International and said he is ready for the opportunity to leave California and explore the east coast.
Chico High coach Jason Alvistur said after talks with Ruffino he believes he is looking for a new adventure and something new.
“Chico’s a great place to live, but I think people need to get out of here to appreciate it and see what the world has to offer,” Alvistur said. “Sam’s doing that and he’s really excited to go to Massachusetts and see what the world has to offer.”
Alvistur said Ruffino is defined by one thing — the C on his chest he wore his senior season. Ruffino led by example and with his voice, turning the culture around at Chico High after the Panthers made a playoff run his sophomore season but came up short. Ruffino’s senior season ended with a loss to Sacred Heart Cathedral Prep in the Division D-A Norcal Regional final at Kezar Stadium in San Francisco.
Ruffino was named Eastern Athletic League all league and all section, and was named all-section MVP.
“I think Sam really symbolizes us making it to the next level. We had some suc
cess in getting to the playoffs the last few years but we couldn’t get over that hump,” Alvistur said. “Sam was one of those that was like, ‘we need to do this, we need to get to the next step.’ To have a player do that, I think he really elevated the play of all of our guys. He’s a great leader, he led by example, he was the first one there, he worked the hardest and I’m just really proud to have coached him and really appreciate all he’s done.”
Ruffino said he has seen the good and bad of a locker room and hopes to bring that to the next level in Massachusetts. He said the coaches at American International loved how he plays angry and physical and his ability to go on a “nasty streak.”
“Anybody that gets in my way gets laid out kind
of thing,” Ruffino said.
Ruffino knew his third year of football that he had the possibility of playing collegiate football
and thanked his pop warner coaches, as well as his coaches at Chico High. He said Alvistur, Chico High defensive coordinator Chris
Clink, and line coach Joel Rothenberger pushed him hard all out of love because they wanted him to succeed.
Ruffino is the first player from the Chico High football team to sign since D.J. Miller in 2016 when he signed with Army. Alvistur is proud to see Ruffino be the next one to go to the next level.
“I was really excited that he wants to go to college
and he wants to continue his education and to me that’s the most important thing,” Alvistur said. “It just reflects on the program that we have quality kids that are doing well in school and dedicating themselves to something, so I’m really proud of him.”*