Mid-November, coaching legend Mike Rude announced he was stepping away from the sidelines at Sesser-Valier High School.

Thursday Night, River Radio Sports Central’s Darren Kinnard reported that Coach Rude is returning to the sideline and to the Black Diamond – he is taking over at Christopher-Zeigler-Royalton.

Rude replaces Tommy Spillan, who went 0-18 in two seasons as the Bearcats’ head coach.

Rude, who ranks 20th on the IHSA’s all-time coaching list with 260 wins, will attempt to revive his alma mater – who has not had a winning season since 2002 and has not made the postseason since 2008.

According to Kinnard, Rude says his goal is to get the program on the right track and put together and mentor members of a coaching staff that will be ready to be his potential successor.