Heidelberg Athletics Hall of Fame
Heidelberg's one-man track team earned three varsity letters during his career. The highlight of his 'Berg career was an exhibition race against Jesse Owens in Tiffin during 1939, which Owens won.
Ronald won the Northwestern Ohio Intercollegiate two-mile in only his second race ever in 1938.
He was named Heidelberg Athlete of the Year during the 1940 season after setting an OAC record in the two-mile, which would not be broken for 23 years. Other victories in the two-mile included Northwestern Ohio Intercollegiate, Ohio AAU, and Big Six. At the Big Six meet he shaved more than 26 seconds off the old record.
He received his master's degree from Miami in 1942. He entered the Air Force in 1944 and served 22 years of active duty.
He has been an instructor of psychology at five colleges with more than 20 published research papers to his credit.
Ronald was married to the late Winnie (Schnatz, '42) Force and the couple had four kids.
(This profile appeared in the 2000 Hall of Fame Banquet program. Â Mr. Force passed away in 2004.)
