Sports Writers Induct AHSAA’s Ingram Into Hall of Fame
AHSAA Assistant Director Ron Ingram, who for 32 years chronicled high school sports as a writer for newspapers in Birmingham and Dothan, was inducted into the Alabama Sports Writers Association (ASWA) Hall of Fame Sunday during its annual convention at Jacksonville State University.
Ingram, a native of Pike County and a three-sport letterman at Pike County High School in Brundidge, began his writing career at the Brundidge Banner while still in high school. After graduating from the University of Alabama, he became sports editor of the Dothan Progress and later the Dothan Eagle.
Known as “Mr. High School Sports” by state coaches and media members, he became the prep sports editor for the Birmingham News in 1984 and served in that role until joining the AHSAA staff in December 2007.
Ingram won numerous Associated Press, Alabama Press Association and ASWA writing awards throughout his career, including the prestigious Herby Kirby Award in 1987 and the Bill Shelton Sports Writer of the Year Award in 2006. He spearheaded the creation of the state’s Mr. Football, Mr. and Miss Basketball Awards and the All-State teams in each sport selected annually by the ASWA.
He has also authored two books about high school sports – Dynasty On The Diamond and Tales Of Alabama High School Football, the latter co-authored with longtime friend and sports writer Rubin Grant.
The award was presented by Charles Hollis, who worked with Ingram at the Birmingham News.