| Quiet Leader Tebben Honored | ||
Ron Tebben was recently honored by Mercersburg alumnus Brett Cornelius'95, when Cornelius endowed the 'Ron Tebben Coaches Leadership Award', presented annually to the team member who most embodies the highest characteristics of a Mercersburg wrestler. The surprise mini-ceremony took place at the 2008 Winter Athletic Banquet and it stunned a man who has never sought headlines or recognition. "I don't know what to say. I never expected this. What an honor, was all that Tebben could muster immediately after presenting the award to this years recipient," senior captain Nathan Stanford.. The Coaches Leadership Award had been presented since 1996. When Cornelius sought a way to recognize Tebben for his contributions to Mercersburg wrestling, funding an endowed award that reflects leadership in the sport was an easy choice. Cornelius quoted Tao philosopher Lao-tsu in his presentation-" To lead people, walk beside them... As for the best leaders, the people do not notice their existence...When the best leader's work is done, the people say, 'We did it ourselves!'" Tebben, whose son Dirk graduated from Mercersburg in 1993, has been involved in the program at the school for more than 17 years. His lifelong devotion with wrestling began at six years old, in the wrestle-crazy state of Iowa. He eventually moved to California and completed his high school career there, before becoming a midshipmen at the U.S. Naval Academy. He earned his degree at Navy and wrestled for three years under legendary Coach Ed Peery, becoming an AAU All-American in the process. His first stint as an assistant occurred at Navy, and he has continued his efforts for more than four decades, helping out at local high schools, working camps, and tutoring individuals. "Ron was a still a full-time pilot for American Airlines when I arrived at Berkeley Springs High School 23 years ago. But on his days off, he would show up with worn wrestling shoes and quiet comments that helped our guys. He's truly a gentleman and a student of the sport and I can't say how much I appreciate him as a coach and as a friend," said Coach Rick Hendrickson, who credits Tebben as being instrumental in his coming to Mercersburg. Cornelius summarized Tebbens impact best in his closing comment, stating, "Thank you, Coach Tebben, for your contributions and your commitment to wrestling here at Mercersburg and in the world beyond. We'll miss you more than we realize." |
