As the saying goes, the best officials are the ones you don’t notice.
Try as he might, though, Ron Ackerman couldn’t escape recognition forever.
Long seen as one of Minnesota’s top referees, later taking on leadership roles in teaching and supporting officials across the state, the Fridley native’s near six decades in the sport has had a visible impact at every level of wrestling.
Already a member of the Dave Bartelma National Wrestling Hall of Fame, at the start of October, Ackerman’s work earned another prestigious honor as he was named one of the Minnesota State High School League Hall of Fame Class of 2022 inductees.
Ackerman’s wrestling career began largely due to circumstance — and genetics. Only 5-foot-2 and 90 pounds as a freshman, size proved a hindrance to playing basketball. It also proved perfect to filling a spot in the Pipestone High School wrestling lineup. Continue reading at hometownsource.com →