RUTENBAR RETURNS AS BARTOW SOFTBALL COACH

The man who built Bartow softball into one of the top high school softball programs in the state with a national reputation is back. Glenn Rutenbar, on Thursday, confirmed that he is returning to the program he coached for 28 years to replace Donna Byars, who is taking over at Polk State College. “It’s kind of crazy, but yes, I’m back,” Rutenbar said. The Hall of Fame coach wasn’t looking for a head coaching job but knew Byars was looking into the Polk State job, which became open in the spring. When Byars told him she got the job, he began thinking harder about whether or not he wanted to return but didn’t contact the school. When Bartow athletic director Ray Tiller called him, Rutenbar told him, “I guess I know why you’re calling.” Rutenbar expressed interest in returning and after meeting with Tiller and Bartow principal, he decided he would return as head coach. After starting the program in 1987 and coaching for 28 years, Rutenbar stepped down as head coach after the 2014 season. “At the time, I needed to get away,” he said. “It was time. I was frustrated.” Rutenbar, who remained at Bartow as a teacher, didn’t leave Bartow softball for another coaching job, although he eventually joined the staff as an assistant at Southeastern. He said the experience as an assistant coach was beneficial. “To me, it’s a challenge,” Rutenbar said of returning to Bartow. “This is a little bit of a stressful situation that I put on myself.”

RUTENBAR RETURNS AS BARTOW SOFTBALL COACH

Photo Credit: Rick Runion

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