– Six-time Southeastern Conference champion
– Florida Gators Hall of Famer
Ron Coleman was the first Black athlete on scholarship at the University of Florida, serving as a member of the Track and Field team. He grew up in Ocala, a child to a barber and a teacher. His parents were both active during the Civil Rights Movement, and his father attended the March on Washington. He was one of the first Black students to integrate Ocala High School in 1965. During his senior year, he set a new state record and won the Class 2A State Championship in the Long Jump with a jump of 24 feet and five and a half inches! Ron continued his career at the University of Florida where he won 6 Southeastern Conference Championships in both indoor and outdoor track and field. Coleman excelled in long and triple jump events. Served in the United States Navy for 22 years as a Naval Aviator from 1975 to 1997. In 2004 he was inducted into the University of Florida Hall of Fame as a distinguished letter winner.
