Indianola's Ron Werling Named Inaugural Track & Field Recipient
of IGHSAU Golden Plaque of Distinction Award
Former Indianola track & field coach Ron Werling is the 2013 track & field recipient of the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union’s Golden Plaque of Distinction Award.
The IGHSAU Golden Plaque of Distinction Award honors the Iowa coach who has demonstrated a successful career while making notable contributions toward school, community and the coaching profession. 2013 marks the first time that a track & field coach will receive this award.
Werling turned Indianola into a girls’ track and field powerhouse in the 1980s, winning three state indoor and outdoor state championships while compiling 12 conference crowns. He produced 22 state individual champions while coaching 23 relay teams to state titles. He also was a successful boys and girls cross country coach, winning four boys state cross country championships.
In addition to his many honors as a coach, Ron is a highly-respected track and field official and has served as the girls high school referee at the state track & field meet for many years and was also a longtime finish judge at the State Cross Country Meet.
The IGHSAU Golden Plaque of Distinction Award honors the Iowa coach who has demonstrated a successful career while making notable contributions toward school, community and the coaching profession. 2013 marks the first time that a track & field coach will receive this award.
Werling turned Indianola into a girls’ track and field powerhouse in the 1980s, winning three state indoor and outdoor state championships while compiling 12 conference crowns. He produced 22 state individual champions while coaching 23 relay teams to state titles. He also was a successful boys and girls cross country coach, winning four boys state cross country championships.
In addition to his many honors as a coach, Ron is a highly-respected track and field official and has served as the girls high school referee at the state track & field meet for many years and was also a longtime finish judge at the State Cross Country Meet.
Werling has also served on the IGHSAU Track & Field Advisory Committee and currently is a member of the IGHSAU track & field hall of fame jury. He was inducted into the Iowa Association of Track Coaches Hall of Fame in 1990.
Ron and his wife, Jan, have five children and 10 grandchildren.
Ron and his wife, Jan, have five children and 10 grandchildren.