This Pipestone, Minnesota native and former wrestler has become probably Minnesota's most highly recognized wrestling official. Not only do his quality skills as an official come to mind, but his many contributions to the sport of wrestling make him a well known figure in wrestling circles around the state of Minnesota. Ackerman graduated from Pipestone High School in 1964, having wrestled under Coach Dick Rohrer. Ron was a three-time state tournament wrestler and two-time state placewinner, taking second in 1962 and fourth in 1963 in the tough "One Class" state tournament. From Pipestone, Ackerman headed to Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota. At Gustavus Ron wrestled four years under the coaching of Ade Sponberg from 1964 to 1968. He was Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) Champion in 1965 at 123 pounds. In capturing that title Ackerman helped the "Gusties" team win their first MIAC Conference wrestling title. The Gusties also went on to capture two more team titles in 1966 and 1967. Those were the only three conference wrestling titles in the college's history. Ron's overall record was a most impressive 53-16 over four years. After an accomplished competitive wrestling career Ron pursued officiating to stay involved in the sport he loved. He has been a registered official for some 46 years. Ron gained great respect from his fellow officials, as well as wrestling coaches around the state. He was selected to officiate in 17 Minnesota State Wrestling Tournaments. He also has officiated in the Junior College State Tournament, MIAC Conference Championships and the NCAA-II national tournament. Respected through the years, Ron eventually took on a leadership role in officiating, helping to train younger officials and improve the pool of officials in the state. He served as President of the Metro Wrestling Officials, as a ten year member from 1970 to 1980. He was also one of 14 officials to form the Gold Country Wrestling Officials in 1980. He is currently assignment secretary for Gold Country Wrestling Officials. Which he has been doing the past 33 years. This organization is the largest association in Minnesota, with some 70 members. Ron also developed a new officials training and mentoring program. He also developed a web site for Gold Country and he has been a Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) clinician for 22 years. He also serves as Supervisor of Officials for the MSHSL State Tournament the past 22 years, increasing the number from 12 to 36. He also served two years as a member of the MSHSL Officials Advisory Board, developing the Wrestling Officials Evaluation Board. He started the Minnesota Wrestling Officials Clinic in 1993. Ackerman has written a column the past 18 years for The Guillotine, entitled "Officially Speaking." In addition, Ackerman has officiated in the European Wrestling Championships for the Department of Defense and is a member of the National Association of Sports Officials. Among Ackerman's many honors are a member of the Pipestone Wrestling Hall of Fame (1985); Pipestone Athletic Hall of Fame (2004); Dave Bartelma-Minnesota Wrestling Hall of Fame (2006); Distinguished Service Award by the Minnesota State High School League, and he is part of the nominating committee for the Minnesota Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. Ron has also donated much time to such service organizations as the Fridley Youth Sports Association (1976-1990); member of the Fridley Lions for 24 years and was recipient numerous awards; Board member for the Fridley 49ers Community Celebration and served as head for the Minnesota Gophers Wrestling Booster Club for three years. Ron is an active member of the St. Philips Lutheran Church and he has been married 46 years to his high school sweetheart, Karla Brockberg. The Ackerman's have three children in Grant (wife Kris), Greg (wife Melissa), and Gina (husband Mike). They have lived in Fridley for the past 37 years. "Officially speaking," Ron Ackerman is a legend of our sport in the State of Minnesota. He has gone way beyond the norm to benefit thousands of people involved in the great sport of wrestling.