Ron and Laurice Ochs are both are graduates of Oregon State University. In honor of their son Nel Ochs, who died in a tragic auto accident in April of 1979, Ron and Laurice founded, funded and perpetuated the Nels Ochs Memorial Wrestling Tournament for over 30 years at Madras High School. They hosted many visiting teams, covering all tournament expenses, including food for coaches, officials and volunteers. Ron and Laurice are retired, self-employed cattle ranchers. They have owned and run a ranch just northeast of Madras that includes an air-strip which they built themselves.