• CLASS OF 2014



    Ron Wheat was a math teacher at Lyons Central School District from 1968-2001.  He also served as Dean of Students.  He was named LCS Teacher of the Year in 1999 and 2001 and received the NYSUT Recognition Award in 1998.

    Ron coached football at various levels throughout his career.  He coached modified for five years and was a varsity assistant for eight years, and Ron was varsity head coach for five years.

    But Ron’s real love was track.  He was involved in track in various capacities from 1969 to 2013.  He started in 1969 as Assistant Varsity Boys’ Coach for three years.  He then became the Head Varsity Boys’ Coach for the next nine years.  During this time the boys won four league titles, six division titles and five sectional titles.  From 1976-1980, the boys had a record of 39-1 league and 50-4 overall.

    For the next six years, Ron served as a track official.  In 1987 he returned to coaching as an assistant girls’ coach for one year.  In 1988, Ron took over as the girls’ head coach, a position he continued for the next 20 years, well after his retirement from teaching.  During his tenure, the girls won seven league titles (five in a row: 1999-2003 with 39 straight wins), 12 division titles, and two sectional titles.  In 2000, the girls won the New York State title.  Ron’s team had 12 state Champions (11 individuals and one relay team).

    Ron was recognized for his many contributions.  He received the NYSPHSAA Coaching Award in 1982, the Wayne Finger Lakes Track Officials Award in 1984 and was named Section V Track Coach of the Year in 1999 and 2000.  Ron returned to officiating rank from 2008 to 2013.

    Ron has been married to Mary Lou for 43 years.  Mary Lou was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2006.  They have two children Kelly and Casey.  Ron and Mary Lou divide their time between Lyons and their home in Lake Wales, Florida.