Emotions run high as longtime Janesville teacher, coach announces retirement
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Parker wrestling coach Ron Cramer looks on in a 2005 match against Craig. Cramer is retiring after 45 years as a teacher and coach.
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Ronald H. Cramer
JANESVILLE — It’s a tearful time for Ron Cramer.
Certainly not the first, but surely one of the most significant.
The heartfelt tears come with Cramer’s hard-thought decision to retire after 45 years as a teacher and coach in the Janesville School District.
“I wanted to make the decision April 15, like everybody else,” he said of Monday’s retirement announcement. “But I can’t face even you (this Gazette reporter) without crying. I don’t want it to be an emotional thing, but it’s difficult.
“If I cried in any sport, I’d leave for awhile and come back. I want the kids to know that I cry, though, and that I’m always there for them.’’
It’s been that way for about three generations of Janesville students and student/athletes—most notably at Parker High School.
Cramer came out of Tyrone, Pa., and UW-Superior to join the Janesville Senior High School staff in 1966. He made the move to Parker when the west-side school opened in 1967 and has been there ever since, serving in numerous capacities, including chairman of the Physical Education Department, building athletic director and a coach in multiple sports.
Without question, Cramer is most noted for his long and incredibly successful tenure as Parker’s head wresting coach. He has held the position the last 42 years, accumulating more victories, championships and overall honors than he can begin to count.
For the record, however, Cramer’s wrestling teams won 23 Big Eight dual championships, 29 conference tournament titles, 17 WIAA regional team trophies and two sectionals. Cramer also produced 135 individual conference champions and 68 state qualifiers, including 30 place-winners.
Much like the team success, the individual standouts have been too numerous for the coach to single out. However, Janesville Sports Hall of Fame member Shane Fleming was a 1986 state champion, and there were six state runners-up—Keith Gay (1979), Kevin Shea (1984), Phousin Phoulavan (1989), Phil Byrd (1992) and Ben Guerra (1992, 1993).
“There were a lot of unbelievable athletes and great coaches, and there still are, and I was fortunate to be surrounded by them,’’ Cramer said.
And that hasn’t been just in wrestling, he was quick to add.
“I learned a lot those years when I was the building AD,” Cramer said. “I went to every contest. If it was hockey, I was there. If it was swimming, I was there. If there was a conflict with wrestling, I changed the date so I would be at a basketball game.
“It was a full-time job—seven days a week,” he said. “But it really wakes you up, because you learn to appreciate all the other people.”
And all of them haven’t been at Parker, he said.
“I’m a Parker person first, but also a Janesville person,” Cramer said. “I scold parents when Parker loses and they don’t cheer for Craig.
“We’re in it together,’’ he said. “And it’s all for one.”
Cramer learned his lessons well when it came to hard work and commitment in growing up as three-sport athlete about 100 miles north of Pittsburgh and 12 miles from Penn State University, where Joe Paterno truly has become a legend, then playing football for lifetime role model Mertz Mortorelli at UW-Superior.
“I have to stick up for my Penn State shirt, sweatshirt and hat that I wear occasionally—not to conflict with Wisconsin, because I’m a Badger fan, but because I’m also a Paterno fan.
“If you want to know what an icon or true legend would be … to me, he would be the epitome of a what a great coach should be.”
After a Little All-America football playing career that earned him a spot in the UW-Superior Hall of Fame, Cramer also found his niche in coaching. He and his wife, Beth, a Superior native, came out of college to get jobs in the Janesville School District, and it didn’t take them long to learn this was a place they wanted to call home.
“Janesville’s always been one of those places I call ‘uprising communities,’ ” Cramer said. “You start here, you work hard, and you keep going up and up until you reach what you want.”
If Cramer wanted more than taste of coaching, he got it all. Along with a lengthy commitment to Parker football, including seven years as head coach (1982-89), he has coached track and field, golf—and wrestling, of course, where he became a 2002 inductee into the George Martin (State) Hall of Fame.
He still has vivid memories of where it all began.
“The first football practice I went to, John Potter was the head coach,” Cramer said of the Janesville High days. (Dick) Lambrecht (Bob) Suter, (Ron) Ganong and I were the assistants. Now, what great people to be around.”
Cramer found another great one in Ron Brown, his longtime and supremely dedicated wrestling assistant. The two meshed like wine and roses.
“Brownie’s a phenomenal man,” Cramer said. “He loved to do the paper work, and I loved to coach. He very well complemented what we were doing.”
Meanwhile, Cramer has been focusing former Parker standout and most-recent assistant Andy Tubbs toward the future of Viking wrestling.
“I’ve tried to raise Andy to be like I want him to be and ready for the (head) job,” Cramer said. “I hope he gets the job, but that’s out of my hands.”
While it no longer will be “hands on” for Cramer in wrestling and other Parker sports, his heart will always be there.
“My heart is real big … and I just love working with kids,” he said. “I like talking to them and being around them.”
That’s why Cramer has stayed so long.
“I want to give younger people a chance, but I liked what I was doing,” he said. “People should learn from that—to let people finish what they’re doing.”
By no means, though, is Cramer finished dealing with kids. Between his three grown children—Jay, Nikki and Jody—there are eight grandchildren, with lots of involvement in sports. And their grandpa won’t be far away.
“I look forward to watching my grandchildren and transporting them,” he said. “That’s my job now. It’s not a job, just what I want to do.
“I don’t have to drive to Connecticut and fly to Hawaii to see my children and grandchildren. They live right in town, and I see them every weekend, if not every day. I’ve just got the best of all worlds.”
And it may be come with a few tears of joy over the youngsters’ sports success.
Jun 21, 2011 at 11:34 p.m.
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Congrats Coach Cramer! When I think of the teachers/coaches who made my school years better, you're right at the top of the list! Tough, but fair. Enjoy the next stage of your life!
Jun 21, 2011 at 10:10 p.m.
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truthteller -- Mr. Lord was one of the great one's too! Thanks for reminding us of him.
Jun 17, 2011 at 8:34 a.m.
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Sorry guy's but the truth is he was not loved by everyone. Now if you was talking about a teacher like John Lord at Parker it would be a different story- he was truely a great teacher that cared for all kids and Cramer was not in this catagory in my opinion.
Jun 17, 2011 at 12:48 a.m.
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Thank you for being a great phy-ed teacher and great person enjoy all that life has to give you in your retirement you certainly deserve it!!! Lori 1978
Jun 16, 2011 at 9:38 p.m.
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Coach is an excellent LEADER. Being a leader isn't a title that's given to you, it's earned by one's actions and Coach Cramer did that.
Jun 15, 2011 at 9:55 p.m.
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Truthteller, you're dead wrong. I was one of the most non-jock people in my class and Ron was always supportive. He didn't put up with lazy screw offs, but if you tried hard and did your best - he was one your side helping. Take your hate elsewhere... This is not the thread for it, Ron is a great guy and I wish him the best.
Jun 15, 2011 at 6:33 p.m.
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Coach Cramer, you're not the only one crying. I knew this day was going to come. I think about you all the time. It's a sad day for Parker High School and Janesville. You have helped so many kids and their kids. You taught my kids things and didn't even know it. You were more than just a coach, you were a father. If we could do it all over again you would be my coach, you and Brownie. You were the best EVER! Thank you.
Your 155 pounder 1979
Jun 15, 2011 at 5:38 p.m.
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Truthteller, clearly after seeing your 232 postings in the Gazette's readers comments, you are a very negative person, it's obvious you never saw the good in him. You were too busy being critical and hateful. It's too bad, because Cramer is an amazing man that has touched so many lives... just reading all the comments and looking back on my experiences made be proud to have known him. By the way...he always rooted for the underdog!
Jun 15, 2011 at 5:20 p.m.
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I remember a guy that only liked the jock kids and treated other kids poorly.....
Jun 15, 2011 at 4:52 p.m.
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It was an honor to be coached by Ron Cramer 38 years ago. He made an important positive impact on my life. I know he's helped countless young men in a very special way through his coaching and the Phy Ed Cadet program. Anyone else remember him yelling "Take your time, but hurry" after swim class? There's not enough the people of this city can do to honor him.
Jun 15, 2011 at 4:16 p.m.
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Thanks Ron. I was on your 82, 83 ,84 wrestling teams. I still have good memories of wrestling.
Jun 15, 2011 at 4:16 p.m.
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What a great career! So many lives helped in a positive way.
Jun 15, 2011 at 3:51 p.m.
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Kudos Ron Kramer on a job well done!
Jun 15, 2011 at 2:39 p.m.
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Thank you for your wonderful service over all the years! I graduated in 1983 and always had a blast in your classes. You sure were NOT as tuff as many would have thought!! LOL- Enjoy the years to come~~ Job Well Done Sir!
Jun 15, 2011 at 11:53 a.m.
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I hadn't even realized Mr. Cramer was still hard at it all these years since I got out of school (1980). He was a great influence then, and I'm glad a couple of generations benefited from his presence!
Jun 15, 2011 at 10:40 a.m.
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Now the days of running home for lunch to "Finish the stuff you did not get to before" ( your noon time Nap and Soap Opera's) will be on the front Burner!!! Coach,, You will always be a major influence on many young persons lives, That is just the way you are and will be.. Parker will never be the same with out you.. You were a corner stone to the success of many parts of that school.. from Wrestling coach, to Drivers Ed Instructor to "the go to guy " when we had issues in other classes.. You were the main reason I went out for wrestling ( after you corned my parents to get me to "WATCH" practice to see what is was like... then it was all down hill after that.. you were not only a teacher, you were a Friend to your students/athletes before it was cool to be .. I think I can speak for a lot of people when I say..."Ron Cramer.. You are an inspiration to more than just the people who knew you.. you were a mentor, a friend, and for some part of our family... We will miss you ( as I have for 30 + years... Enjoy your retirement with Beth and your Kids, (and their kids).... You are the one greatest thing that ever happened to me during high school... Good living is a head of you my friend. thanks for the memories..
Stacey Updike Class of '81
Jun 15, 2011 at 9:53 a.m.
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Congratulations on an extraordinary career, Coach!
You were one of the greatest influences in my life. Your approach toward coaching, your ability to motivate and educate, and the positive attitude that you always demonstrated have helped me in many aspects of my life.
As my football coach you taught me the importance of working hard during the off-season at summer practices and JABS to prepare for each fall season, putting in extra time in the weight room, and running on the long country roads around Parker.
As my gym teacher you taught me how to educate kids and be patient as they learn new skills.
And as my mentor you taught me that hard work, dedication, and commitment to your family, friends, and community are the keys to success in life.
I thank you for all your hard work, your encouragement and motivation, and your words of wisdom as a coach, teacher, and mentor.
Go Vikings!
-Mike Wicker, Class of 1985
Jun 15, 2011 at 5:07 a.m.
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I have a feeling that Mr. Cramer will continue with his coaching in some way even if he retires.
Jun 15, 2011 at 3:40 a.m.
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Coach although I always lined up across from your teams I had a tremdous amount respect for you and your players. You have done a great sevice to countless young athletes and I'm sure have them suceed in life more than you will ever know. Enjoy your family and your contributions to this community are legendary.
Liebo
From Asia
Jun 15, 2011 at 3 a.m.
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Congrats Mr. Cramer, you have earned it! I had a great time managing your wrestling team, and will never forget the day you yelled my name in Shopko while I was shopping. lol You changed many lives, and are a great man!! Tubbs will do well, he had you to teach him :)
Jun 14, 2011 at 10:44 p.m.
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Wish you the very best Coach Cramer. Keep smiling!!
Jun 14, 2011 at 9:55 p.m.
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Thanks for everything, Mr. Cramer! You were one of my favorite teachers! Best of luck!
Jun 14, 2011 at 9:05 p.m.
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Thank YOU, mr Cramer!!! best wishes to a wonderful man!
Jun 14, 2011 at 8:49 p.m.
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Kudos to a great man! Enjoy those grandbabies, which I am sure will grow up to be fabulous well adjusted adults. Look at their roll model/mentor!
Jun 14, 2011 at 7:04 p.m.
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Thank you Ron for your many years of service to Parker and the community.
Jun 14, 2011 at 5:57 p.m.
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Thank You Ron
Jun 14, 2011 at 5:56 p.m.
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Like many other students, you had a profound effect on me during high school, both as my advisor and pole vaulting coach, even though you could never pronounce my name right! ha! Enjoy your retirement!
Best Wishes,
Tom D'Acquisto
Parker Class of 1981
Jun 14, 2011 at 5:25 p.m.
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Ron, You are a great coach and a positive influence on many lives. I know you more on the outside of Parker, but I know the dedication you have shone many, many students will not go unnoticed. Have a great retirement and enjoy many years with your children and grandchildren. Now everyday is a Saturday Ron...ha ha
Jun 14, 2011 at 4:57 p.m.
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Amazing coach and an amazing person! The future Parker students will miss out on what the rest of us had... Thanks for everything!
Jun 14, 2011 at 4:38 p.m.
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Congrats to you on your retirement, Ron! Stay well and enjoy life! You've always got a place to visit if you want to escape those Wisconsin winters.
Jun 14, 2011 at 4:15 p.m.
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GREAT GUY, GREAT LOSS to JSD.
Jun 14, 2011 at 4:14 p.m.
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Congratulations Ron on your remarkable career. I had you as a gym teacher back in the day at "cow pie high" and remember working along side of you while you worked as a summer help at the local GM plant. Your retirement is well deserved.
Jun 14, 2011 at 4:07 p.m.
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Coach Cramer, you're a credit to your profession. Janesville is lucky to have coaches as dedicated and caring as you. Congratulations on all your successes and your retirement.
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