Wisconsin Football Coaches Association

RON KLESTlNSKI
Inducted in 2008

Ron graduated from PJ. Jacobs High School, Stevens Point -1957. He was a three-sport athlete at Stevens Point High School, participating in football, basketball and baseball. In football, he was the captain of the 1956 Championship team. He earned the Col. Hirzy Student Athlete Award.

Coaching Career:

1961-63 Wisconsin Dells High School - Assistant Football Coach
1963-66 Stevens Point Pacelli - Assistant Football and Basketball Coach
1966-87 Manitowoc Roncalli - Head Football, Head Track and Assistant Basketball Coach

Ron attended UW-Stevens Point, lettering four years in football and one year in track. He was the Captain of the 1960 team and earned the Goodrich Student Athlete Award. When Roncalli High School opened, Ron was hired as a biology teacher and Head Football Coach to develop the football program. In just four years and with only two senior classes, Ron coached RoncaIli High School to the First Single Division WISAA State Championship. The game was played at Lambeau Field in front of 5,255 fans. This began the RoncaIIi football tradition.

Ron shares this honor with his family, assistant coaches, players, the parents and fans, and the Roncalli Community.

Ron's accomplishments include, UW-Stevens Point Coaching Excellence Award-1987, Lakeshore All Sports, Hall of Fame 1990, Roncalli Hall of Fame, two FVCC Championships, three time FVCC Coach of the year Honors and three WISAA State Playoff Teams.

Ron coached eight individual State Champions during his 18 years as Track Coach. He has been a Member of WISAA State Football Committee for thirty years.

Ron would like to thank the WFCA for this great honor and commend them for what they do for the Student Athletes in our State.