WAYNESBURG, Pa. (May 18) – Ron Headlee’s work in turning the Waynesburg University wrestling team from an afterthought to a nationally-recognized program is just the latest in his long line of accomplishments on the mats.
This June, Headlee will be recognized for those accomplishments when he is inducted into the Washington/Greene Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame.
The induction ceremonies, which will take place on June 11 and 12 and feature 16 different individuals, will highlight more than 30 years as a wrestler and a coach, which began when he graduated Waynesburg Central High School in 1978.
After leaving WCHS, Headlee became a three-time NAIA All-American wrestler at Messiah College, and became the school’s first NCAA Division III Wrestling All-American after placing fifth at the national tournament in 1982.
He was also the school’s record holder for wins (101) at the time of his graduation.
After finishing his own competitive days, Headlee moved onto very successful stints as a high school coach at both Jefferson-Morgan High School and his alma mater of WCHS.
While with J-M, Headlee led his squads to an 111-25-1 record and five Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League (WPIAL) team titles during his nine years with the Rockets.
From there, Headlee went on to spend a handful of years at WCHS as an assistant, before leaving coaching in 2007. After a very brief hiatus, Headlee returned to coach the Yellow Jackets to a 10-4 record in 2008-09 and complete one of the most amazing turnarounds in Waynesburg and Division III wrestling histories.
Prior to Headlee’s arrival, the Jackets enjoyed just two wins in three years.
With his induction into the Washington/Greene Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, Headlee joins the likes of Pittsburgh mayor Luke Ravenstahl, former University of Wisconsin football coaching great Barry Alvarez, NFL head coach Marvin Lewis and NFL Hall of Famer Bill George.
Headlee also becomes the latest in a line of athletes, coaches and administrators with ties to Waynesburg University. Included in that list are coaching legend and current Athletic Director Rudy Marisa, coaching great John F. Wiley and former NFL wide receiver Don Hermann.