Wenatchee High School Athletic Hall of Fame


Ron Duncan
CLASS of 1945 Football, Basketball and Track ATHLETE
During tumultuous years of World War II when many WHS students went off to fight for their country before graduating, Ron was the glue that held Panther athletics together. A swift, elusive halfback, he often accounted for more than 200 yards in games by rushing, passing and returning kicks. Defensively, he dominated in the secondary while the team compiled a 14-0 record and only gave up a total of 19 points in two seasons. 'Doc' Conway proclaimed Ron as the best athlete he ever coached.

Ron completed an incredible senior season as a Panther football player, then having reached enlistment age, joined the Navy at the end of the first semester and consequently didn't receive a diploma.

Also a star in basketball and track, he led both teams to successful seasons as an underclassman. Ron competed as a high jumper at the state meet twice after winning district titles and was also outstanding as a javelin thrower. In all, he earned seven varsity letters.

After completing military service, Ron was notified that WHS transcripts indicated enough credits to graduate and received a certificate from Bremerton High School. He enrolled at Wenatchee Junior College and was instrumental in establishing a football program. As a sophomore, Ron was first team "All-Conference" at offensive and defensive back. He went on to the University of Washington. In 2012, Ron was presented with a WHS diploma earned 67 years before.

- Caricatures of inductees as they appeared while involved in WHS athletics and the synopsis of accomplishments are drawn and written by Jeff Mertes.