Hilding E. Ronning, known as "Tex," passed away at 89 after battling cancer. A respected teacher and longtime football and wrestling coach at Santa Cruz High, he was inducted into the school's Athletics Hall of Fame in 2018. Ronning coached wrestling for nearly two decades, winning multiple league titles and producing 62 individual champions. He also served as head coach of varsity football briefly and as athletic director. His influence and dedication earned him the love and respect of students and colleagues alike, marking his legacy in the Santa Cruz community.
"He was a one of a kind," said Greg Lopez, a '77 Cardinals graduate who wrestled and played football for Ronning. "He was always truthful and straight with you."
Offered Randy Quilici, a '75 alum who was also coached by Ronning before serving as his colleague on the sidelines: "He was a great man."
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