Ronald S. Wood

Coach Ron Wood was a man who influenced many in the short 35 years of his life. Born and raised in this area he was an all-conference lineman for the Stoneham High School class of 1984 football team. After graduation, he earned a degree in physical education from Salem State College then a master’s degree from Cambridge College. He returned to Stoneham as a full time assistant on the football staff while working double duty as the girls track coach for seven years. Ron helped to build the Stoneham track team into a powerhouse especially through expert mentoring in shot put where at one point his athletes were 60-1. Somehow Ron was persuaded to come to Wakefield where he maintained various coaching duties including assistant football coach, varsity football defensive coordinator and even boys track shot put advisor. Coach Wood’s day job was as a physical education teacher in the SEEM Collaborative program at the Hurd School in Wakefield. Clearly, Ron Wood had the desire to pursue a career which was to be dedicated to the guidance and education of young people in this community.

A remarkable football inspiration for the Warriors occurred in a Wakefield-Woburn game in 2001. Confident Woburn was Super Bowl bound but was held to only three points against Wakefield’s 10 in a game some like to remember as among the greatest in Wakefield history. Ironically, this was the first game Ron Wood missed in his Wakefield coaching career and the game after the last he ever attended. The team dedicated the game, signed the game ball and had it presented to defensive coordinator Ron Wood.

Ronald Wood was a big, strong, imposing figure of a man whose demeanor demanded respect but who still remained easily approachable and compassionate to the players. His battle with colon cancer, which spread to such an extent that a rod was installed to support his weakened back, might be a simple explanation why people had a hard time coming to terms with how a hardy individual could meet an untimely death at a young age. In memoriam, the Press Box at Landrigan Field, which sits high above the gridiron enabling a unique perspective of a Wakefield Football game, was dedicated to the memory of Coach Wood. The Ron Wood Memorial Award is given to a player who exhibits the qualities most needed to insure the mental toughness, balance, harmony and ultimate success of a Warrior team while duplicating the uncompromising determination and spirit of Coach Ron Wood.

Ron Wood Memorial Award

Dedication, Commitment, Loyalty and Courage were his backbone.

Character and Integrity were paramount in his formula for success.

His quiet strength supported so many. His perseverance yielded positive results.

This award is given to the person who best exemplifies and embodies the winning spirit of Coach Wood

2003	Christopher Fiore	2004	Jerron Gerald	2005	Mike Carlin	2006	Tim Sletterink
2007	Brendon Sullivan

1984 Graduated Stoneham High

199? Designed the Warrior Logo (Before the days of high technology computer art programs)

2002 Named Massachusetts Coaches Association Assistant Coach Of the Year

2002 Named Patriot All Access Coach of the Week

2003 Press Box at Landrigan Field dedicated to the memory of Coach Ron Wood. (Photograph of plaque on Press Box below.)

2003 Ron S. Wood Citizens’ Scholarship Fund of Wakefield Established