In a wrestling career that started in 9th grade at Costa Mesa High School when he was coached by Dick Mason, Gabe drove a carload of kids to the Junior World Team Trials in Bakersfield where he won the tournament. At Santa Ana College, Ruz was coached by Frank Adelman for a year before redshirting. He continued to develop his skills, and he became a three-time National Champion of Mexico in 1968, 1971 and 1972. He represented Mexico in the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City at 138.5 pounds, and again at the 1972 Olympics in Munich, Germany at 149.5 pounds. His collegiate record was 60 wins - 10 losses. In 1968, Gabe placed 4th in Greco-Roman at the National AAU Wrestling Championships. Between the Olympic events, Gabe wrestled for Buddy Wilkerson at United States International University where he won numerous tournaments, placed 6th at the NAIA Nationals in 1972 and 2nd in 1973. He earned Collegiate All-American Awards both years, and he was a team leader and co-captain there. He was selected in 1972 to the All-State Second Team by the California Collegiate Wrestling Review. Ruz began coaching at the El Cajon Boys Club in 1973-74, producing 14 County Champions in his first year. As Head Coach of the San Ysidro Boys Club in 1974-75, he taught over 40 County, State and National Champions. While coaching at San Diego City College from 1976-79, his team was Top 10 at the State Championships in three consecutive years. He was Head Coach at Montgomery High School in San Diego from 1986-2000, winning Mesa and Metro League titles in 1994, 1995 and 1997 with 10 State Qualifiers and two State Placers. At Bonita Vista HS in Chula Vista from 2002-10, Gabe won League titles in 2007-09 with six State Qualifiers. He was selected Metro Coach of the Year in 2008. Ruz has been Head Coach at Otay Ranch HS in Chula Vista since 2012, with a State Placer at 4th in 2013. Gabe was a member of the San Diego County Wrestling Officials from 1980-85, and he has been involved with California USA Wrestling, SCWay Wrestling, the Cal State Games, MexGames, Boys Clubs, Baron Wrestling Booster Club, and as a public speaker for the ARCO Olympic Training Center.