Out of college, both went on to successful careers in coaching, reaching thousands of lives along the way. both ended up coaching at home, with Don running the junior high program and Ron taking on the high school duties. In 15 seasons with Iowa Falls, Ron sported a 134-43-3 record, won seven North Central Conference team titles, 15 state place winners and two state champions. He was named the coach of the year in 1983 and is a member of the Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame.
Throughout the rich history of Iowa Falls wrestling, nobody remembers there ever being a regular season tournament hosted there. On Dec. 20, that will change as Iowa City's City High, Clarksville, North Butler, Algona, West Marshall, and the JV squads from Perry and West Des Moines Valley join Iowa Falls-Alden for the Ron and Don Jones Invite.
The honor is well deserved, and meaningful in more ways than one. In January of this year, Ron was diagnosed with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) which is a member of the Parkinson's family. His health has been failing, but his mind remains active. He can still spout off about some of the sport's best from the ages, and remembers well the members of the teams he coached.
In honor of both Joneses, all former Iowa Falls wrestlers under each are invited to the 11 a.m. tournament–free of charge. Others from their past, including high school and college teammates and opponents, or just friends and casual acquaintances, are also invited to help celebrate the event and make their day extra special.
For further information, call Iowa Falls athletic director Pat Norem at 641-648-6440.
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