Ron McGraw, who dedicated his life to enriching young people, first as a high school teacher, coach, and administrator before spending 12 years on the IHSA staff, passed away on October 13, 2023, at the age of 66 following a courageous battle with cancer.
Ron was hopelessly devoted to his family and leaves behind his wife Rosemary, daughter Mallory and son-in-law Mark, son Mike and daughter-in-law Jenny, and three grandchildren Laney, Callum, and Oliver along with so many other family and friends who mourn his loss.
Read Ron's obituary here.
Information on any public remembrance will be shared by the IHSA when known. Learn more about Ron’s life and career by clicking here, and read the tributes of those who worked with and knew him below. If you knew or worked with Ron and would like to add a tribute of your own, please send to mtroha@ihsa.org...
“Ron was an unbelievable supporter of our mission at IHSA. He was a professional in all aspects of his work. Away from work, Ron’s friendship and kindness were always present. He had talents that he gladly shared with those around him. I feel incredibly blessed to have spent time with Ron and learn from him. Those times and memories are cherished. He will not be forgotten.”
--Craig Anderson, IHSA Executive Director
“Simply put, Ron McGraw is one the best guys I have ever known. He was a great friend, educator, and wonderful teammate at IHSA. He was a tireless worker and he believed wholeheartedly in the mission of the IHSA. To say he was meticulous, is an understatement. He wanted everything he touched to be right down to the smallest detail, and he did so because he wanted IHSA events to be the best they could possibly be for officials, coaches, fans, and most importantly, the students who participated in them. The Association is blessed to have crossed paths with Ron McGraw.”
--Marty Hickman, Former IHSA Executive Director
“Ron was the best teammate and mentor we could have asked for at the IHSA . He was a silent leader behind the scenes and always took care of his team and details. He was never someone that wanted public credit, but just wanted to see the team and IHSA to succeed. I was pretty down one day over when he reminded me that I would walk away from this job someday with far more friends than enemies. That has always resonated with me. Ron is one of my all-time favorites and a wonderful friend.”
--Tracie Henry, IHSA Staff
“Ron could have a gruff exterior to the unacquainted, but to really know him was to know a man who was funny, sweet, loyal, and put his whole heart into everything he did, no matter how big or small the task. He was a tremendous mentor to me, as much on the personal level as the professional. He was really really good at his job, but also a far better husband and father. He was a salt of the earth human being and will be dearly missed by so many.”
--Matt Troha, IHSA Staff
"Ron McGraw was a man many knew in different ways: husband, parent, grandparent, friend, educator, administrator, coach, and even bulldog. Ron truly was the epitome of a 'solid human being' who will be missed by anyone who had the opportunity to cross paths with him. Thank you, Rosemary, Mallory, and Mike for sharing him with us."
--Beth Sauser, IHSA Staff
"I am privileged to have worked with Ron during his entire IHSA tenure. His focus was always on the state's young athletes and doing what he could to make their experiences better, and did so with a great sense of approachability and humor. He will be missed."
--Mike Hutton, IHSA Swimming & Diving Official
"This is probably one of the hardest things to write. There were so many positive things that could be said about Ron. Ron was a hard-working professional. He strived for our athletes and our Scholastic Bowl competitors to have the most memorable State Final. For those who knew Ron personally, we were blessed to know him. He was not only a co-worker, he was may friend. He was funny, he had a glimpse in his eye that lit up when he was up to something. There wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for you. I will miss my friend always greeting me with a strong hug and a smile or maybe a fist bump. Rest well my friend. I will miss you. God gained an angel on Friday."
--Cheryl Lowery, IHSA Staff
"Ron was an awesome individual and wonderful to work with at the IHSA events he administered. The last three or four years before his retirement, he always went out of his way to shake hands, chat, and share a warm laugh or two with me at every state track and cross country meet we were at. Prayers to his family and colleagues as I know he will be missed greatly."
--Clark Brooks, Media Member
"In my career with the IESA, I had the opportunity to work with Ron on numerous occasions. He was the consummate professional, always willing to help and share ideas. Ron was meticulous in his duties and he paid attention to every little detail. He did not seek attention. He simply wanted students to have the best experience in the given activity and he did whatever it would take to achieve that goal. Outside of the office, he was an exceptional husband, father, and grandfather. His eyes lit up when he would talk about his family. My life is better because I was lucky enough to meet Ron McGraw. His passing leaves a void in our lives and hearts that can never be replaced. To Rosemary, Mallory, and Mike I offer my deepest sympathies. While our world is a bit dimmer, heaven is much brighter."
--Steve Endsley, Former IESA Executive Director
"Ron McGraw was a very good guy to me. Recognized my work with the IHSA in an ultimate way. Never had a bad moment with him. Always a mutual partnership to get the job at hand... done. Welcomed me even when I showed up at State Golf, on a whim arrival. First time I ever worked at Detweiller he said 'you only call the first two races, because you are presenting all the medals and team trophies.' That was the faith he had in me. He knew I'd pull it off, even when never having been in the role, let alone in the park."
--Matt Piecinski, PA voice of IHSA State Track & Field and Cross Country
"I've been coaching cross country and track in Illinois for over thirty years now and we've had a number of IHSA administrators over the years. From all of my own interactions with Ron, as well as seeing all he accomplished for our sports, I feel that he set the 'gold standard'. He was a tireless worker and always put the best interests of student-athletes first. He was true to IHSA guidelines while still being flexible and collaborative in seeking ways to be fair and balanced, so as to give all athletes the best possible experience. Most importantly of all, he was a good man. He will be missed by me and by so many others.
--Mark McCabe, Hinsdale Central High School Coach
"I had the privilege to work with Ron for many years. He was a dedicated professional who worked to provide the highest quality events for the student-athletes of Illinois. As a colleague, he was always available to offer advice, lend an ear, and crack a joke. I will always remember his smile. He will be greatly missed."
--Nicole Schaefbauer, IESA Executive Director
"Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work many IHSA State Championship Events, mostly in track and cross country. Without Ron McGraw, these events would not have gone near as smoothly. . His friendly manner will be missed. There are many times that these events do not go exactly as planned. But, Ron could always handle it. To the members of the IHSA Office, I am sorry for your loss. He may be gone, but I am sure his ideas and his demeanor will live on in that office for a long, long time. I will miss seeing him at the events."
--Dan Chamness, Media Member