Ron Bracken

Ron Bracken spent 41 years covering high school and collegiate wrestling for the Centre Daily Times in State College, Pennslvania.

He worked closely with Hall of Famer Doug McDonald to make the CDT the premier wrestling paper in Pennsylvania. He and McDonald served long before the state champion entrants had their information readily available via the internet. The two produced a chart that summarized every participant's seasonal record in detail.

A graduate of Bald Eagle Area High School, Bracken was proud to have covered his alma mater's climb into national prominence, culminating with a #1 national ranking in 1999.

Ron traveled far and wide to cover the sport he loves. Trips to Easton, Ohio for the lronman, and so many district, regional and state events.

His recounting of each in his no-punches-pulled style earned his respect from his peers across the state.

His journalistic accolades are many, including an Excellence for Amateur Wrestling Coverage award, the George Henslip award for Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Coverage, 11 Keystone Press Awards, two Pennsylvania Managing Editor awards and two Associated Press Sports Editor awards. The last being a national award considered the most prestigious award in sports journalism.

Ron has been inducted into several Halls of Fame, including the Bald Eagle Area Wrestling, the District 6 Wrestling Coaches Association, and the PA Wrestling Coaches Association. Additionally, he was named the District 6 Man of the Year.

Ron and his wife Joan have one daughter, Janine.

Awards:

Year
2012
Award
Lifetime Service to Wrestling
Chapter/Region
Pennsylvania

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