Ron Gibson

Naperville

A 1958 graduate of Earlville High School, Ron Gibson played basketball, football and baseball in high school.  Earlville did not have a wrestling program.  However, Ron was introduced to the sport by his physical education instructor, Carson DeJarnett, who later went on to Sterling and became a Hall of Fame coach.  Ron attended North Central College in Naperville where he received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1966.  He received his Master of Education Degree from the University of Illinois in 1969 and completed additional hours in the doctoral program.

Ron was an educator in the Naperville school district from 1966 through 2004.  He started as a social studies teacher at Lincoln Junior High School.  Upon completion of his administrative certificate, he left the classroom and proceeded through the administrative ranks at Naperville.

When he started teaching in Naperville, he began working junior high school and high school wrestling meets with another Hall of Fame member, Gene Drendal.  In 1973, Ron began working the IHSA state tournament.  He started our as a bench official and worked his way up to announcer.  He has been a big contributor in DuPage County for decades.  He also worked at a variety of conference, regional and, sectional tournaments, regardless of the host school.  He continues to work these meets as needed.

At the time of his retirement, he served the district as Associate Superintendent.

Ron was named as an Outstanding Young Educator for Community Service by the Naperville School District and the Community Service Award as Distinguished Educator. In addition, Naperville School District honored him with its Dedication Award.  He was also recognized by the Illinois High School Association for 35 years of service at the State Tournament.

Ron is member of the Illinois Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development and the American Association for School Administrators.  He is also a member of Phi Delta Kappa.