Ron Ernst - Career Before Ripon College

Career Before Ripon College

A native of Hastings, Nebraska, Ernst is a 1980 graduate of Nebraska Wesleyan where he received his bachelor's degree in social science and physical education. He earned his master's degree in physical education and athletic administration at the University of Northern Colorado in 1990. While attending Nebraska Wesleyan, Ernst was a four-year letterman in football, a three-year letterman in track and earned one letter in baseball.

Ernst previously served as the defensive line coach at the University of Northern Colorado from 1988-1990. He also served as the head football coach at three different high schools in Nebraska and Colorado, winning a conference championship at each school. In 1987, Ernst was named Colorado AAA Coach of the Year by the Denver Post.

1980-1981 - Head football coach at Osceola High School, Osceola, Nebraska. Ernst took over a program that was in disarray. By his second season, the Bulldogs had won a conference championship and were rated third in the region.

1982-1985 - Head football coach at Fort Calhoun High School in Fort Calhoun, Nebraska. Ernst took over a program that had never had a winning season in the school's history. By his third season, the Pioneers had won a conference championship, qualified for the state playoffs and were ranked eighth in the state classification C-2.

1986-1988 - Head football coach at Greeley Central High School in Greeley, Colorado. Ernst took over a program that had not had a winning season in more than 20 years. By his second year, the Wildcats were Northern Conference Champions, finishing the season in the state semi-final playoffs. Was named the Denver Post AAA Coach of the Year in 1987.

1989-1990 - Defensive line coach at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, Colorado. The Golden Bears qualified for the NCAA Division II National Playoffs.