Hall of Fame
BIOGRAPHY
RONALD GUTKOWSKI '68
One of the best basketball players and student athletes to graduate from Catholic Central. Ronk high school career is marked by high level performance and recognition. In 1967, Ron led the Shamrocks to the MHSAA District, Regional, and Quarterfinal championships, losing in the State Semifinals to Pershing which featured Spencer Haywood and Ralph Simpson. In 1968, Ron led the Shamrocks to the Central Division, Catholic læague, City', IMHSAA District, Regional, Quarterfinal championships, and again into the State Semifinals. Ron was team co-captain both seasons.
Individually he was named; All Catholic 1st team in 1967 and 1968, All State 1st team in 1968, Honorable Mention in 1967, Catholic All American in 1968. Despite a knee injury, he averaged 28pts per game in 1967-1968. Scholastically, R_on was elected freshman class president and junior class vice president while maintaining membership in the National Honor Society for all four years.
Ron continued his education and playing career at Slichigan State University where he played varsity all four years. He was Co-captain of the Spartans in the 1971-72 season. Gus Ganakas, MSU Head Coach stated "Ron always defended the other team's best player; Austin Carr (ND), Rudy Tomjanovich (UM), Rick Mount (Purdue), George McGinnis (Indiana), and other future pros... Ron was not only relentless in his play, but he always supported the other players and the tean* greater good even if it meant sacrificing his cnvn goals." Ron earned the Michigan State University Sportsmanship/ Inspirational Leader Award in both 1971 and 1972. Only two other MSU athletes in history have received this award twice. CC Hall of Famer Tom Lagarde stated at his induction that he was inspired by Ron and the CC basketball teams of that era. iMany pick Ron Gutkowski as a member of Catholic Central's al-time starting five.
Ron graduated from Michigan State and went on to an outstanding career in teaching, coaching and public-school administration. He is an excellent example of a Christian athlete.
ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME
