He has been a staple in the Alabama sports community for decades. After 18 years with the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) and more than five decades covering high school sports, Ron Ingram is retiring at the end of the year.
Ingram, who joined the AHSAA in 2007 after a celebrated journalism career, informed the Central Board of Control that his retirement will take effect on December 31.
“It’s a mixed feeling,” Ingram said. “It’s something I’ve been doing for 54 years, one way or another. Things are going to be different. I’m ready to start spending more time with my family, my wife, children, and grandchildren.”
A former sports editor for The Birmingham News, Ingram built a reputation as one of Alabama’s most respected sportswriters before becoming the AHSAA’s Director of Communications. Former Executive Director Steve Savarese, who hired him, called Ingram “one of the best hires I ever made.”
Current Executive Director Heath Harmon praised Ingram’s lasting influence, saying, “Ron Ingram’s impact on the AHSAA and high school athletics in Alabama is immeasurable. His dedication, integrity, and passion for telling the stories of our student-athletes, coaches, and administrators have shaped the way high school sports are covered and celebrated.”
Ingram’s legacy includes launching the ASWA All-State Teams and helping create the Mr. and Miss Basketball, Baseball, and Softball awards. Known as the AHSAA’s unofficial historian, he was inducted into multiple halls of fame and received numerous journalism awards over his career.
“God has given me a great career, and I’m so fortunate to be able to do what I love for 54 years and get paid to do it,” Ingram said. “I had a great time.”
