2001 Inductee – Colorado Chapter

Lifetime Achievement Award

Carl Ramunno is recognized for his years of dedication to the development of leadership and citizenship in young people through the sport of wrestling.

Coached 32 years

Dual meet record: 365-75-2

After graduating from Arvada High School in 1950, Ramunno served in the Army during the Korean War, where he was a medic. He attended the University of Northern Colorado and graduated in 1956, having wrestled under John W. Hancock.

Ramunno’s coaching career began in 1956 in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. His career as a coach ended in 1987 and he retired from teaching in 1993. During his 32-year career as wrestling coach his teams amassed a dual meet record of 365-75-2, which included 6 state team championships, 18 Northwest League Championships and 19 District championships. He coached 27 individual state champions and 46 other place winners. In addition to coaching wrestling, he coached football and track and field for 18 years.

In 1988, Ramunno was voted Nation Coach of the Year and was inducted into the Colorado High School coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1995 and the Colorado High School Activities Association Hall of Fame in 1998.

Ramunno also conducted a freestyle wrestling program for young athletes and participated in the Japanese wrestling exchange program. In the summer, Ramunno and Tracy Borah conducted wrestling camps in Steamboat Springs. Being an industrial arts teacher, Ramunno managed the school district maintenance program in the summer and would employ many athletes, which would provide vocational credit for the students involved.

Carl Ramunno has given a lifetime of service to the youth of America through his dedication to the sport of wrestling as a coach, mentor and role model.