Who was Ron McKee?

Who was Ron McKee?

Ron McKee was a prominent Bay Area thrower and beloved coach with over 25+ years of coaching experience in the throwing events with a record of producing top results.

A decorated athlete, Ron competed for Camden High School and continued his collegiate career both at San José City College and then California State University Northridge, garnering 3 NCAA Division 2 All-American awards. He also competed at the Olympic Trials in 1988. In both 1990 and 1991, Ron was ranked among the top 10 athletes in the Shot Put by Track and Field News magazine and earned a spot on Team USA in 1991.  He was also a prominent Highland Games athlete and was twice a Highland Games Master’s World Champion in 2001 and 2002. 

Ron McKee was also strongly committed to developing Bay Area champions and Olympians. He coached at Bay Area high schools Del Mar High, Los Gatos High, and Santa Teresa High. He coached several top California State Meet competitors and CCS (Central Coast Section) Champions.  

He was a proud father of 3 kids, Lindsay, Erik, and prominent Highland Games athlete and 5x World Champion Megan McKee.

Unfortunately, Ron left us far too early.  The Hankslam Rondo Memorial Games are intended to honor his memory and advance his love of throwing by giving Bay Area athletes a supportive place to compete.  We hope this continues the positive mark he has left on our sport.

Why “Hankslam Rondo”?

In the late 1970’s and early 80’s, there was a popular citrus soda called Rondo, whose slogan was “The Thirst Crusher.”  As a collegiate athlete competing at summer all-comer meets, Ron McKee wasn’t officially permitted to throw at meets outside of the collegiate season. So, to get in extra reps, he would occasionally register for events under the alias “Hankslam Rondo,” sometimes even wearing a Rondo soda t-shirt.  Our highland game here at Shaffer Park is therefore named after Ron’s alter ego.