Wisconsin Football Coaches Association

 

Growing up in Green Bay during the Lombardi championship years, Ray developed a passion for football while playing with the neighborhood kids in the empty lot next door, while imitating the Packer heroes of the 1960’s. He graduated from Premontre High School in 1970 where he played football for WFCA Hall of Fame coaches, AI Mancheski, Dick Hieptas and Ron Miller. Ray attended UW-Green Bay earning degrees in English and German and took his first teaching job at Darlington High School in 1974. 

 

After spending a year as a volunteer freshman football coach, Ray began his official coaching career as a JV coach for the Red Birds. In 1978, Ray took a job at Antigo High School and coached under Hall of Fame Coach, Gordy Schofield and his staff. Ray moved to Manitowoc in 1981, taking a teaching and coaching job at Roncalli High School and was mentored by another Hall of Fame coach, Ron Klestinski. In 1990, Ray took the head coaching position at Roncalli, 

 

In his twenty-two years as the head coach of the Jets, Ray’s teams have played in 9 Wisconsin Independent School Athletic Association (WISAA) playoffs and 4 WIAA playoffs. He has coached 5 teams to the WIAA State Championship game, winning State Championships three years in a row in 1996, 1997 and 1998. Ray was selected as the Fox Valley Christian Conference Coach of the Year in 1991 and WFCA district Coach of the Year in 1996. Ray was selected to be an assistant coach in the 2010 WFCA All-Star Game. In 2011, he represented Wisconsin at the annual NFL/USA Football Summit in Canton, Ohio. 

 

“The honor of being a WFCA Hall of Fame coach is a reflection on my players, coaches, fans, families and the support of my administration. I am most thankful for the people who have supported our football program.” 

 

One of Ray’s greatest joys was coaching his son, Jason, who is currently serving in the Army. Ray also appreciates the tremendous support from his parents, Roman and Gertie, as well as daughter, Jessica who has recently given birth to his first grandson, Troy. “I want to give special thanks to my wife, Lori, who has faithfully been at my side giving me support, encouragement and inspiration and who has helped me keep coaching in perspective."