Ron Hamilton
Bedford wrestling was an icon among small schools throughout the state of Pennsylvania, and Ron Hamilton helped the Bisons reach that lofty perch.
In 1964 Ron became Bedford's second state champion. His state championship ended 19 years of waiting since John Heacock won in 1945.
Ron did not wrestle varsity as a freshman, although many felt that he could have made the team, but elected to let the upperclassmen wrestle. In 1962, as a sophomore, he won the District 5 title at 133 pounds. He then joined Roger Simons and Anson Wright as Northwest Regional Champs. This might have been the greatest moment in Bedford regional wrestling. At states Ron and Wright were state runners-up.
The next year Ron again won the district and regional championship. At states Ron lost in the semifinals.
In his senior year Ron won his third District 5 and third Northwest Regional Titles. Ron is the only District 5 wrestler to win three regional championships when there was only one state classification.
At states, Ron showed the poise of a champion when he outpointed his two opponents. In the semifinals Ron won 4-3 over Lonnie Holmes of Abington. Ron then finished the season undefeated (19-0) and earned a state championship with a 4-0 decision over John Halasovski of Allentown Dieruff.
Ron was a three-sport athlete in high school. He led the county in scoring his senior year in football. He also ran track and he made it to states in the 880 yards relay.
After graduation from Bedford in 1964, Ron attended and wrestled for Clarion State College for two years. He then went into the navy where he wrestled and qualified for the All-Navy Tournament, but he did not attend.
Ron got married to Gondelina Jocson in 1969. They have four children: Ronald Jr., Rebecca, Roland, and Roldan.
He got his degree in Sociology from Cal State University at Hayward. He coached football and wrestling for 18 years at Salesian High School in California. He retired in 2001 and moved to Portland, Oregon, in 2006.
The 2007 District 5 Wrestling Program was dedicated to Ron Hamilton for his wrestling achievements.
Bedford wrestling was an icon among small schools throughout the state of Pennsylvania, and Ron Hamilton helped the Bisons reach that lofty perch.
In 1964 Ron became Bedford's second state champion. His state championship ended 19 years of waiting since John Heacock won in 1945.
Ron did not wrestle varsity as a freshman, although many felt that he could have made the team, but elected to let the upperclassmen wrestle. In 1962, as a sophomore, he won the District 5 title at 133 pounds. He then joined Roger Simons and Anson Wright as Northwest Regional Champs. This might have been the greatest moment in Bedford regional wrestling. At states Ron and Wright were state runners-up.
The next year Ron again won the district and regional championship. At states Ron lost in the semifinals.
In his senior year Ron won his third District 5 and third Northwest Regional Titles. Ron is the only District 5 wrestler to win three regional championships when there was only one state classification.
At states, Ron showed the poise of a champion when he outpointed his two opponents. In the semifinals Ron won 4-3 over Lonnie Holmes of Abington. Ron then finished the season undefeated (19-0) and earned a state championship with a 4-0 decision over John Halasovski of Allentown Dieruff.
Ron was a three-sport athlete in high school. He led the county in scoring his senior year in football. He also ran track and he made it to states in the 880 yards relay.
After graduation from Bedford in 1964, Ron attended and wrestled for Clarion State College for two years. He then went into the navy where he wrestled and qualified for the All-Navy Tournament, but he did not attend.
Ron got married to Gondelina Jocson in 1969. They have four children: Ronald Jr., Rebecca, Roland, and Roldan.
He got his degree in Sociology from Cal State University at Hayward. He coached football and wrestling for 18 years at Salesian High School in California. He retired in 2001 and moved to Portland, Oregon, in 2006.
The 2007 District 5 Wrestling Program was dedicated to Ron Hamilton for his wrestling achievements.
Class of 2007
Bedford County Sports Hall of Fame
Bedford County, Pennsylvania
Bedford County, Pennsylvania