Wilczak, Ron

Ron Wilczak – (2001)

 

To have a hand in one of the most memorable high school basketball games played in the City of Lorain is one thing and to literally decide that game with a touch of your hand is another. Ron Wilczak was just that person when he tipped in the game-winning basket as time ran out to carry Lorain Catholic High School over Lorain Southview to complete an undefeated regular season for the Spartans. The only undefeated season for a High School basketball team in the history of the City of Lorain.

That 1976 team went on to be State runner-up and was inducted into the Lorain Sports Hall of Fame in 1998. Wilczak was a key component of that team. Individually, he was named first team All Ohio in 1976 and special mention All Ohio in 1975. He was two time 1st team All-North Central Conference and two-time North Central Conference Most Valuable Player of the Year. Ron averaged 19.6 points and 13.5 rebounds a game in 1976 and his 509 points that season stands 5th on Lorain Catholics all time single season scoring list.

Upon graduation Ron was heavily recruited by numerous college coaches such as Mike Krzyzewski of Duke and Bobby Knight of Indiana. Eventually he wound up playing for Larry Hunter of Wittenberg University where he played for almost 2 years. When Hunter was dismissed at Wittenberg, Wilczak transferred to Malone College. It was there that he went on to become a star. He competed against cross-town rival Walsh College and their coach Bob Huggins who now coaches the national power Cincinnati Bearcats.

While at Malone Ron earned NAIA district player of the week 3 times, was named to the NAIA All-District 1st Team and All Mid-Ohio Conference 1st Team. In his senior year at Malone he scored over 20 points in every game except one in which he scored 19. He was second in balloting for NAIA District player of the year his senior season. He ranked second in scoring and field goal percentage and third in rebounding and free throw percentage his senior year in the District. He ranked tenth in scoring and thirteenth in field goal percentage nationally.

Ron now resides in Topeka, Kansas with his wife, Debbie and their four children, Adam, Justin, Amanda and Craig.