Hall of Fame
A native of Sweetwater, Ronnie Parson became a part of Austin Peay’s football program in 1964 after transferring from Auburn University. A graduate of Sweetwater High School, his career spanned the 1964-66 campaigns, some of the school’s greatest in history. As a receiver, Ron caught a total of 57 passes during three campaigns for a total 1,172 yards. He also scored 13 touchdowns and led the Govs in receiving in both the 1964-65 campaigns. In 1964, he caught 17 passes for 334 yards and four TDs. Ronnie followed that up with 15 catches for 352 yards and six touchdowns in 1965. His best season, however, came in 1966 when he caught 25 passes for 486 yards. But Ronnie Parson’s skills weren’t limited to just receiving. As a placekicker, he connected on 50 extra points along with 11 of 20 field-goal accuracy. He holds the school record for most career extra points attempted (71) and once held the school record for longest field goal (51 yards). He led the Governors in scoring during both the 1964 (47 points) and 1965 (71 points) seasons. His 1965 totals also topped the OVC. He also was the Governors punter during his junior and senior seasons, booting the ball 81 times for a 37.8 average during his junior and senior seasons. He played under coach Bill Dupes as the Govs finished with records of 8-1-1 in 1964, 8-1 in 1965 and 6-4 in 1966. He was twice an All-OVC choice and twice earned Little All-American honorable mention. But Parson’s APSU career was highlighted by two events. His field goal in the game’s final minutes climaxed a rally for the Govs first-ever victory against Middle Tennessee, 9-7, in 1964. Then two years later, Parson made a spectacular game-winning touchdown catch that defeated Tennessee Tech and gained nationwide recognition. It appeared on an NCAA publication cover. Ron signed with Canadian Football League’s Montreal Alouettes in 1967 but was traded to the Ottawa Roughriders the next season. He decided to retire and return to APSU to complete his degree. After graduating, Parson worked in sales was co-manager of a building material company. He returned to Sweetwater in 1973 and coached briefly, serving as the school’s head coach in 1975. He also worked as a dairy farmer for four years and for A.O. Smith Harvester. Since 1982, he has been working for Farm Bureau Insurance. He is married to the former Becky Smith. They have four daughters, Stacy, Melanie, Mitzi, and Beka.
