In 1983, John became the Head Wrestling Coach at Lisle High School. While at Lisle he accumulated a career mark of 357 wins, 134 losses and one tie. During his time leading the Lions, he coached 65 All-Conference wrestlers, five Regional team champions, and one Sectional team champion. Seventy-five of his wrestlers qualified for the IHSA State Final meet, where 36 went on to place, including seven state champions. In 2006, Ruettiger led the Lions wrestling team to a fourth place finish in the IHSA dual team finals. He was the Suburban Coach of the Year in 2001, IWCOA Coach of the Year in 2006, and he was inducted into the IWCOA Hall of Fame in 2003. Ruettiger truly cared for his athletes and helped turn them into well-rounded adults by emphasizing the importance of values, respect, and a strong work ethic. Not only did he coach wrestling, but he taught elementary PE and always made sure kids knew the importance of effort, a good attitude, and finding fun in being physically active. John has been named Suburban Graphic Coach of the Year and has been nominated by the IWCOA as Coach of the Year three times.