Sept. 25, 2007

Becoming a Missouri Tiger was a dream come true for this 5-10, 220-pound linebacker. But the road to Faurot Field was not an easy one for senior John Ruth. After transferring to Missouri from Truman State in 2005, Ruth had to face a few tough decisions before suiting up for the Tigers.

Ruth was raised in a home of two Missouri alumni and much Tiger pride. John and Michelle Ruth raised their son in nearby Jefferson City, Mo.

Coming out of high school in Jefferson City, Ruth attended Truman State University in Kirksville, Mo. Halfway through the school year he decided he was ready for a change.

“I've always wanted to come to Missouri,” Ruth said. “I've always wanted to be a Tiger.”

So after just one semester at Truman State, he decided he was ready to fulfill his passion and came to Missouri to play football as a walk-on.

NCAA transfer rules forced Ruth to sit out his first season at MU. After a strong training off-season where he reached his personal best numbers in the weight room, Ruth was ready to get on the field for the 2006 season. Bad luck soon struck when Ruth was again forced to sit out the football season after he tore his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Ruth was suddenly faced with a very difficult decision, to continue or end his football career at Missouri. Being a walk-on, Ruth was not offered any scholarships when he transferred.

“My parents really helped me through everything and said, 'If this is the worst thing that happens to you in your life, then it's not so bad,'” Ruth said.

In spite of some doubts and uncertainties, Ruth decided he still wanted to be a Tiger and headed to the training complex for the 2006 season.

“I had a lot of confidence in the training and coaching staff here at Mizzou,” Ruth said, “Some guys come back better than they were before their injury.”

Ruth worked with the team's coaches and trainers to regain the strength he lost in his knee. Being an early riser by nature, Ruth had no problem waking up before school to start his rehabilitation process. And after a year of much hard work and watching a successful Tiger program, Ruth is healthy and ready to make a difference on the field.

With the 2007 season here, Ruth has finally gotten the chance to play his much anticipated first minutes for the Tigers. Not only was Ruth given the opportunity to play, but he is now playing as a scholarship athlete for Missouri.

“It was really nice to know that my parents wouldn't have to worry about that (college tuition) anymore,” Ruth said of his new scholarship.

With his senior year here, Ruth doesn't feel much added pressure. He goes to practice and prepares for each game with the same concentration and strong work ethic he's always maintained.  With such high expectations from Missouri fans and Big 12 opponents, Ruth likes to take the season one game at a time. Although goals have been set fairly high this year, each game is played individually before the next.

Prior to each game Ruth likes to walk around the stadium and soak in the atmosphere. With stadiums filled by crowds over 60,000 crazed fans, this season should be a special one for Ruth.

“You don't even notice when you're on the field,” Ruth said of the college football environment.

Nerves don't seem to be a factor for Ruth as he plays each down with the same high intensity, knowing it could be his last. After his injury Ruth learned a lot about the game and how easy it is to be done playing.

“I think I've grown more as a person than a player being here,” Ruth said.  “I've grown in a lot of ways.”

Being in Head Coach Gary Pinkel's program for three years, Ruth has learned discipline and life lessons he will keep with him long after he graduates.

Ruth's parents have been the biggest influence in his life. They make it to as many games as they can, juggling weekends between John and his younger brother who plays high school football. From taking him to football practice when he was younger to making sure he never went hungry, “My parents have always been there for me,” Ruth said.

As for after college, Ruth would enjoy coaching younger children someday.

Ruth plans to graduate this spring with a degree in business administration. He would like to stay in Missouri and make a home for himself and his new fiancé. Ruth has high expectations in store for the Tigers and is confident they will achieve great things in the years to come.

--  Stephanie Thiel