RONNIE COMBS
Ronald Milton Combs (Ronnie) had a remarkable and impactful life, marked by a deep commitment to education, coaching, and ministry. He graduated from James Wood High School, Lord Fairfax Community College, Shepherd University (physical education) and Liberty University (counseling).
As a student athlete, he earned the Golden Helmet Award in football, lettering in football, and placing 2nd in the state in discus. In college, he continued his athletic journey by lettering in football and track and field.
Combs began his teaching and coaching career at Robert E. Aylor Middle School. After two years, his conversion to Christianity led his toward Christian education. He became a dedicated teacher, coach, and administrator at Shenandoah Valley Christian Academy, were he spent 38 years. In 2014, Ronnie joined Legacy Christian Academy, a newly established school, where he continued to inspire students and athletes. After 50 years of teaching and coaching, he retired in 2024.
In 2024, Legacy Christian Academy recognized his lifelong dedication to education and coaching by dedicating their new gymnasium to him, naming it the Ronald M. Combs Gymnasium. Throughout his career, Combs used sports as a platform for ministry, further strengthening his connection between faith and athletics and service to his community.
Professional achievements:
- 1974: Defensive Back Coach at Shepherd University
- 1978-2024: High School Coach for Basketball, Soccer, and Baseball
- 1978: Ordained as a pastor
- 1988: Became a Charter Member of the National Association of Christian Counselors
- 1985: Named National Christian High School Coach of the Year
- 1990: Recognized by ESPN Scholastic Sports of America
- 1994: Gatorade Coaches Card Award
- 1996: ODAC Soccer Coach of the Year
- 2000: ODAC Basketball Coach of the Year
- 2002: Inducted into the Wendell Dick James Wood Hall of Fame.
- 2017: NACA Hall of Fame Inductee
Coaching accolades:
- Over 1,000 career wins.
- DAC Coach of the Year.
- President of Phi Epsilon Kappa.
- National
- 8x NACA Basketball Champions
- 19 NACA Basketball Final Four appearances
- 2x NACA Soccer Champions
- State
- 7x ODAC Basketball State Champions
- 5x ODAC Soccer State Champion
- 4x ODAC Baseball State Champion
- Coached 14 Basketball All Americans
