2009 Hall of Fame Inductee

RONALD J. "RON" WATSON

(1931-1987)
Golf (1951-53)
Memos Outdoor Track & Field (1952-53)
Memos Basketball (1950-52)

A three-sport athlete, Ron Watson was a standout in golf and track & field for the Blue Hens, played two seasons of basketball, and was named the University of Delaware Outstanding Senior Male Athlete of the Year in 1953, becoming the first golfer to win the coveted award. A native of Wilmington, Del. and a 1953 chemical engineering graduate of Delaware, Ron was a three-year standout for the golf team, won all but one dual match during his career in 1951-53, and held the lowest round record (69) and lowest season average (73.0). He was the teams No. 1 player as a senior when he served as team captain for coach Fred Emerson squad that went 8-2. He also competed two seasons in track & field as a long jumper and hurdler and was the top dual meet scorer for a team that went undefeated and placed seventh at the Middle Atlantic Conference championships for head coach Ken Steers, who also is a member of the 2009 University of Delaware Athletics Hall of Fame class. Ron also was co-captain for the junior varsity basketball squad for two seasons in 1950-52. He enjoyed an outstanding amateur golf career in Delaware after graduation and also was a standout table tennis player. He served as a pilot in the U.S. Army for over 20 years and served tours in Germany, Korea, and Vietnam. On January 12,1972, Ron was awarded Master Army Aviator Wings, having accumulated over 3,000 hours of flying time. He was also awarded the Highest Honor of Legion of Merit (Big Red 1st Division). He passed away in 1987 at the age of 56.