If you were a student of or wrestled for, or against Ron Preston, if you knew him and would like to contribute to this page by writing a short piece, please email it to [email protected]
A Tribute to
A Friend, A Coach, A Teacher, An Official, A Professional
To those of us in wrestling that knew Ron Preston we will miss his presence dearly. To his family we say � He is looking over us all and guiding us in the right direction all the time.
Ron started his wrestling career in the 1950's � wrestling for Western University and the National Team.
He was inducted into the Western Sports Hall of Fame. Ron moved to northern Ontario to coach wrestling and football in Kirkland Lake and Sudbury.
As a friend, Ron and I go back to 1960 when I first met Ron at a dual meet at Whitby District High School where as a rookie, I kicked butt of one of his veteran champions. When I went over to shake his hand and he wouldn�t let go and just winked at me. This was the beginning of a lasting friendship. It was his inspiration to me that got me to continue officiating when I moved to Sudbury from southern Ontario
Over the years Ron has conveyed his devotion, trust and helpful ways to many athletes and wrestling enthusiast. As a coach there was no better. Ron coached two OFSAA Championship teams and produced many champions over the years. His dedication to his athletes was unbelievable � from Kirkland Lake (when roads were cow paths) he would load his van and drive to southern Ontario making stops at all the wrestling schools along the way. During his last few years as a coach at Nickel District in Sudbury, Ron tried to pass the torch to his athletes as a sign of burn-out began to show.
As a teacher, I know Ron was firm, but fair. His dedication to teaching and wanting his students to learn stood out even over his sporting activities.
As an official, Ron spent many years in helping to maintain a high set of standards. In the early years of his career he was the chairman for the officials in Ontario and has been awarded the �Dave Rendall Award of Merit� presented by the Board of Directors of the O.A.W.A..
We will always remember Ron as an official in Sudbury. He had a unique way of giving points and just hated rule changes with a passion. We always told him �be patient, the rule will eventually change back to your way� �most of the time it did.
Ron always persuaded us to attain the highest ranking possible so we in turn could teach him. It was a fun time working with Ron as all the Sudbury officials will attest.
As a professional, Ron would stand out in a crowd. He would always make sure goals were set and accomplished. He would do what he would have to do to get the job done.
As the coach, convenor, drawmaster and official at the same time, he would get the job done. He would handle any situation properly and fairly
for Ron
a Friend dearly missed
Ken Zayette
from the program of the 1992 OFSAA held at the Lively Arena.
Championships
2003-2004
Boys
Girls Chelmsford
Combined
2002-2003
Boys Macdonald-Cartier
Girls Chelmsford
Combined Macdonald-Cartier
2001 -2002
Boys Chelmsford
Girls Champlain
Combined Chelmsford
2000 - 2001
Boys Chelmsford
Girls Champlain
Combined Champlain
1999 - 2000
Boys Macdonald - Cartier
Girls Champlain
1998 - 1999
Boys College Notre Dame
Girls St Charles College
1997 - 1998
Boys College Notre Dame
Girls St. Charles College
1996 - 1997
Boys St. Charles College
Girls Confederation
1995 - 1996
Boys St. Charles College
Girls Horizon
1994 - 1995
Bjoys St. Charles College
1993 - 1994
Boys Champlain
1992 - 1993
Boys Macdonald - Cartier
1991 - 1992
Boys Macdonald-Cartier
1990 - 1991
Boys Chelmsford
1989 - 1990
Boys Chelmsford
