Ron Maxson was an outstanding athlete at Fayette High School, graduating in 1962. He participated in football, baseball and was a three-time state meet qualifier in track and field.
It seems athletics, particularly track and field have always been a part of Ron’s life.
Ron graduated from Upper Iowa in 1967, was in the Army from 1968-1970, and received his Master’s Degree from the University of Wyoming in 1976.
Ron taught and coached at West Liberty High School for 31 years. He was the Head Boys track and field coach for all his 31 years there, winning 10 Eastern Iowa Hawkeye Conference team titles. During his time as head coach the Comets won 8 individual state meet titles and had many Drake Relays place winners.
Although technically retired, Ron is still coaching. He has coached Junior High football for 45 years and Junior High basketball for 43. During his career as a junior high basketball coach, Ron has learned all too well, that winning isn’t everything.
Upon retiring from teaching in 2000, Ron became very active in the IATO and started officiating both track and field and cross country.
Ron has officiated many meets at all levels, including the Iowa high school state championships, Division 1, 2 and 3 college championships.; Drake Relays and Kansas Relays; Big 10, Big 12 and Iowa Conference meets and currently serves as the Head Umpire for University of Iowa home meets.
Ron and his wife Mary, also a retired educator, still reside in West Liberty where Ron hosts a rather competitive IATO golf tournament each summer.
They have two sons. Mark of Iowa City and Kent, of Nairobi, Kenya.