RIVERSIDE — It never was a matter of if, only when.
Arlington High School welcomed back Gary Rungo, one of the most beloved and respected coaches in Inland history, and renamed the baseball field in his honor during a ceremony attended by more than 300 people Saturday morning.
Rungo helmed the Arlington varsity baseball program for 34 seasons (1983-2016), compiling a record of 578-359-3 with the Lions. That win total ranks second in Riverside County baseball history and third all-time in the Inland Empire. Under Rungo’s watchful eye, the program qualified for the playoffs 25 times and claimed CIF Southern Section championships in 1999, 2002 and 2004.
Steve Madril, one of the many former Arlington players who attended the event, summed up Rungo’s lasting impact.
“I think he really set a new standard of how to run a program and how to treat people, not only the respect you have for your own players but also for your opponent,” Madril said. “I think a lot of programs have been molded after Arlington baseball because of what Rungo did over those years. He showed everybody the path.”
Tim Kleveno, who played for Rungo and took the reins of the program in 2017, has wanted to bestow this honor on his former coach for many years. There were a few obstacles, however. Kleveno wanted Rungo’s name to be on the scoreboard, and the booster club raised funds to erect a new one a few years ago. And there was some red tape that had to be cut, as well. The renaming ceremony originally was scheduled for Arlington’s final home game of the 2025 season, but it needed final approval from the Riverside Unified School District board. And the school board meeting was the night of that game.
Arlington athletic director Tacy Duncan decided it best to have a ceremony that coincided with Rungo’s induction into the school’s Hall of Fame. The biggest hurdle there was Rungo himself. He is on the Hall of Fame nominating committee but has rejected his own inclusion in previous years. It took a little convincing, but Rungo ultimately gave in.
Madril and Kleveno said Rungo was the biggest reason they both decided to get into education and coaching.
“We’re two of the many who have tried to pursue the same kind of legacy he had here at Arlington,” Kleveno said.
Added Madril: “He was so beloved by everyone on this campus. He also won Teacher of the Year many, many times.”
Rungo was known as a players’ coach because of how he treated anyone who suited up for the Lions.
“It didn’t matter if you were the star player or the last person on the bench, you always felt like you were an important part of the team,” Kleveno said. “Everyone had a role, and that is why we all wanted to win for him.”
Rungo, now 70, is known for quirky quotes and adages, and he used one to describe Saturday morning’s ceremony.
“Hey, even a blind dog finds a bone every once in a while,” Rungo said to kick off the interview.
Rungo was touched by all the familiar faces who showed up to pay their respects.
“Arlington was my dream job, and I got to live that dream for more than 30 years,” Rungo said. “I never wanted to go anywhere else. I have made so many lasting friendships and relationships because of Arlington High School, and that really is better than any game or championship ever won. I enjoy hearing where those players are now in life.
“It is a little overwhelming seeing my name up there, but it’s a great honor and I certainly do appreciate it.”
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