Ron graduated from Sheffield High School where he was an outstanding athlete in both basketball and football. He was the leading scorer in basketball during both his junior and senior seasons and was a tight end on the state runner-up football team in 1975. Following high school he received a basketball scholarship to Northwest Community College and led the team and conference in scoring along with rebounding during his sophomore season. He was also chosen the MVP of the conference his sophomore season. After two years at Northwest he went on to play for the University of North Alabama helping to lead the Lions to the National Championship during his senior year. He  was selected to the All-South Region Team and the All-Tournament Team in the National Championship Tournament.