Hi, I’m Ron !

My mission is simple: to inspire coaches to live and coach with a Kingdom Purpose guided by Biblical principles, through a relationship with Jesus empowered by the Holy Spirit.

I grew up in Cold Spring, Minnesota, where I played football, basketball, and track and field at Rocori High School before attending the University of Minnesota. There, I earned a degree in Marketing Education, became a six-time Big Ten Champion, and won the NCAA Indoor Shot Put Championship. I was honored to represent the United States in the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, later completing my Master’s in Education from Minnesota State University–Mankato.

After my competitive career—winning three U.S. Indoor and one U.S. Outdoor Shot Put Championships—I transitioned into coaching at The Ohio State University and eventually into full-time ministry. Since 1999, I’ve served with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes as a Coaches Ministry Strategist, engaging, equipping, and empowering coaches to lead for Christ.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of speaking at men’s retreats, coaches’ clinics, evangelism events, and discipleship gatherings across the country. I’m passionate about encouraging coaches and leaders to pursue excellence that echoes beyond the scoreboard—to live and to coach with an eternal purpose.

I’m married to Michelle Backes, founder of The Savvy U®, and we have two adult children. Together, we’re committed to inspiring leaders to live, lead, and coach for Him—building teams and legacies that last.