Brian Rector, who won a state title with Ravenwood and took Centennial to a state semifinal berth last season, has become the head football coach at Father Ryan High School, according to Jim McIntyre, president, and Pat Lawson, athletic director.
Rector, who is 41, takes the reins of one of the mid-State’s most storied programs, one that has earned three state titles in its history and has been a major force on the gridiron since its first team took the field in 1925. He succeeds Bruce Lussier, who retired in December following 11 seasons and two state semifinal appearances with the Irish. Rector will also serve on the faculty at Father Ryan.
Rector has built a career record of 84-42 in his 10 years of coaching. He stepped down from the head coaching position at Centennial late last year after leading the school to the first Class 5A semifinal game in the program’s history and compiling a 41-20 record during his five seasons with the Cougars. His Ravenwood team claimed the state title in 2005, the same year Rector was named Tennessee Coach of the Year, and the school was runner-up in 2006. He left Ravenwood in 2009 to serve as the graduate assistant at Western Kentucky University before returning to the high school coaching scene with Centennial in 2011.
In making the announcement McIntyre said that he was delighted with the caliber and number of the coaches who sought the Irish’s head coaching position, but Rector stood out. “Our search process produced exceptional people, but the committee and our administrative staff found a special person in Brian. He has distinguished himself as a coach at the top levels in the state and has shown at each place a gift for developing his players as strong athletes and exceptional people. He is familiar with the school, and he embraces our culture and our commitment to an outstanding and successful experience for all of our students. It is a combination that fits perfectly for Father Ryan, and we are pleased to welcome Brian and his family to Father Ryan.”
Rector said the opportunity to coach at such a historic and accomplished place is exciting. “The legacy of Father Ryan in Tennessee sports history is long and wide, embodying the best of competition, sportsmanship and leadership. There is the unique opportunity to teach and coach at a place with outstanding facilities and a large and committed community of fans supporting its programs. In addition, following in the long line of coaches, like Leo Long, Louis Catignani, Bill Derrick, Boots Donnelly, Tommy Bateman, Kurt Page and Bruce Lussier is humbling and energizing, and I look forward to working with our coaches to help these young men achieve success while representing the best example of Father Ryan.”
Lawson said that Rector brings an enthusiasm and a proven record to the program. “There was no question about Brian’s coaching success and his reputation as an outstanding teacher. As he and I talked about this program and the opportunities here, it became clear that he has an approach and a confidence that will make a difference in the lives of our students. We are excited to see that approach on display at Father Ryan.”
Prior to coaching at Ravenwood, Rector worked as defensive coordinator at Oldham County High School in Buckner, Ky., near Louisville, and as a varsity assistant/freshman and JV coach at Daviess County High School in Owensboro, Ky. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in History/Secondary Education from Bellarmine University and a Masters in Secondary Education from WKU. He and his wife, Harpreet, have two children.
Father Ryan High School provides college preparatory education along with spiritual and community service experiences to 945 students in grades 9-12. Last year, Ryan’s graduating class received over $24 million in scholarship offers and currently attend 71 institutions in 36 states. More information is available at www.fatherryan.org.
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