Five ways to describe him: Ross is passionate, caring, creative, inspired and a good mentor.
Tell us about him: Ross is a coach and a teacher. He is compassionate and gets along well with a wide variety of people and personalities. He is a lifelong sports nut who has a varied work past that has given him some unique perspectives. He has worked in radio, newspapers, factories, the tool rental and sales industry, the motorsports industry and the financial services industry. He coaches everyone, even when he doesn’t realize he is coaching.
What other people are saying about him: From one of his baseball and basketball players, “I wish Coach Ross could coach me forever. He is a great coach and my family loves his family.”
Family: Ross has been married to the very beautiful and understanding Jo Ann since August of 1990. They have two boys, Kyle and Connor, who love God and sports almost as much as Ross. He comes from a very close family of two sisters and a brother and has always considered his parents to be his heroes. His dad, Keith, was the best man is his wedding and his mom, Luana, was taken from us way too early.
What makes him laugh: Virtually everything. He has a unique laugh that you can’t miss and he finds humor in nearly every situation. It’s one of the ways he deals with stress.
What makes him cry: Seeing someone hurting. Watching his favorite sports teams win championships. Sappy movies and powerful songs.
What he loves: God and his family. Sports, motorsports and camping with the family and friends.
What he hates: Cooked carrots and cooked spinach. He eats them both uncooked, but once they are cooked, no dice.
What are his pet peeves: The phrase “Firs t Annual”. People cruising down the highway/interstate in the left hand (“passing”) lane. Hearing gum pop.
What is his greatest fear: Not fulfilling his potential and not achieving all God has planned for him.
Ross was once a bird! For a couple of years he played the role of Coach McCaw (a costumed character) to help promote the White River Park State Games.
What is his dream for the ministry: To see a thriving community of athletes who see the opportunity of competing in sports and wellness programs as a way to reach out to their friends who don’t have a personal relationship with Jesus.
What are his goals for the future: For youth, a Kindergarten through 12th grade sports program. A wellness program that entices families, not just men or women.
His inspiration: Seeing players compete at their individually highest ability, playing hard, but fair and then praying together at the end of the event. Seeing people grow in their love of God and relationship with him through the lessons learned in sports and wellness programs.
If he wasn’t a director …: He’d still be working in the insurance and financial services industry as an agent, recruiter and trainer.
The write stuff: While working the professional motorsports industry he started a newspaper while serving in the publications and pr department for a nationally touring stock car racing series. He has also worked for a couple of local newspapers and spent some time in the radio industry.
The college years: Attended Ball State University where he studied journalism and met Jo Ann.
Where did we find him: In the gym coaching in our basketball program, which led to his deeper involvement with the basketball program and his becoming a member of WRCC.
What is his creative background: He’s a writer, photographer and storyteller.
What is his salvation experience: Grew up going to an independent Christian church and was baptized as an early teen.
How he stays on top of trends and developments in the industry: Pays attention to what interests his kids and their friends and stays involved in the community. Observe, listen and learn.
