Ronnie Combs - Class of 2025

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