Ron Halsey
1985
Ron, known affectionately as “The Admiral,” never let any obstacle stand in the way of his success in wheelchair sports. His former coach, Dave Williamson, introduced him during his induction into the National Wheelchair Athletic Association Hall of Fame, reminding everyone that Ron’s strength extended far beyond his athletic ability—he also possessed exceptional strength of character. Not even the removal of one kidney could slow him down. Ron was officially inducted into the Hall of Fame in June 1986 at the University of Edinboro, Pennsylvania.
In 1959, at just 18 years old, one week before he was scheduled to enter the U.S. Marines, Ron was paralyzed from the mid-chest down following an automobile accident. His friend Jim Mathis encouraged him to join the Cleveland Comets wheelchair basketball team as part of his rehabilitation. That experience launched a lifelong passion for adaptive sports, leading him to excel in field events such as shot put, discus, javelin, and later the pentathlon.
Ron went on to set numerous records in local and state competitions and was chosen nine times as a member of the U.S. National Wheelchair Team. His athletic excellence earned him selection to multiple U.S. Paralympic Teams, where he competed in Germany, England, and Canada, setting records in several field events. As a member of the U.S. Pan American Team, he also competed in Peru and Mexico, setting additional records in the shot put and javelin.
In recognition of his outstanding achievements, Ron was inducted into the Ohio Wheelchair Sports Hall of Fame and honored by the Dapper Dan Club of Akron, Ohio.
Ron’s personal story was equally inspiring. He met his wife, Marcia, while recovering at Highland View Rehabilitation Hospital, where she served as a registered nurse. Marcia later traveled with U.S. teams as part of the medical staff, and the two shared 20 years of marriage together.
Reflecting on his international success, Ron once said:
“When I’m up on the podium and they are playing the Star-Spangled Banner, I get a hollow feeling inside. It’s a feeling I can’t describe.”
After retirement, Ron dreamed of helping children with disabilities get involved in wheelchair sports, a vision left unfulfilled due to his sudden passing in February 1986.
Ron “The Admiral” will always be remembered for his resilience, leadership, and lifelong dedication to the advancement of wheelchair athletics.