In a fitting tribute to a local legend, John Marshall High School in Rochester is set to honor the legacy of the late Ron Werner by naming its track facility after him. Werner dedicated over two decades to the school, shaping young minds in the classroom and molding champions on the track.

His coaching tenure from 1966 to 1988 was marked by extraordinary success. Under his guidance, the John Marshall Rockets secured seven district titles, 11 Big Nine championships, and five regional crowns. Perhaps most impressively, he led the boys' team to a remarkable five consecutive second-place finishes at the MSHSL state meet, developing 36 individual state place-winners and nine state champions across individual and relay events.

Beyond the impressive statistics, Werner's true impact was personal. Former student-athlete Mikael Newman captured this in a heartfelt letter of support, recalling Werner's demanding yet transformative coaching philosophy: "He taught me to 'prepare to succeed' and that 'to succeed, you must prepare.' I never doubted his desire to make me the best runner and person I could be."

Werner's influence extended far beyond the oval. As a social studies teacher, he was known for bringing history to life as a compelling story, often giving up his personal time to support students. Even after retiring in 1988, he remained a pillar of the John Marshall community, revitalizing the drama club as a dedicated coach and proving that the discipline of the arts and athletics often go hand-in-hand.

This honor, championed by former student Scott Sherden and colleague Craig Sheets, cements Werner's enduring legacy. His contributions were previously recognized with inductions into the Rochester Quarterback Club Hall of Fame and, posthumously, the Minnesota Track and Field Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Now, every stride taken on the Ron Werner Track will serve as a permanent reminder of a coach, teacher, and mentor who prepared generations of students for success in all of life's races.