S2 Ep. 40 - State Championship Coach & Person by Ron Prochnow

On this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791, I welcome Coach Ron Prochnow to the Buck & Honey’s remote studios. Coach Prochnow recently guided the Reedsville Panthers boys basketball team to its first state championship in 80 years—but the journey to that moment was anything but easy.Growing up in Markesan, Wisconsin, Ron developed a passion for athletics early in life. After a standout high school career, he attended the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh, where he earned a degree in physical education and health while also excelling as a cross country and track athlete. As a member of the Titans cross country program, Ron helped UW–Oshkosh win three NCAA Division III national championships and earned All-American honors during his senior season.While in college, he discovered a love for coaching basketball, beginning his coaching career at Lomira High School. After graduation, he accepted a teaching position and worked his way through assistant coaching roles before landing his first varsity head coaching job at Brookwood High School. Later, at Augusta High School, Ron made a pivotal decision to coach the varsity girls basketball team—a move that led to his first state championship in 1996.Eventually, a desire to return closer to family brought him to Reedsville High School. Early struggles with team chemistry and program relationships caused him to step away from coaching for a period of time. During those years, he focused on family, completed his master’s degree, and gained a renewed perspective on leadership.When the opportunity to return to coaching came, Ron embraced it. Years later, with his own son entering the varsity program, he was named head boys basketball coach at Reedsville. After several near-misses at the state tournament, the Panthers finally broke through in 2026, capturing the WIAA Division 5 state championship.Coach Prochnow’s story is one of perseverance, humility, growth, and leadership. This episode is packed with valuable lessons for coaches, educators, parents, and anyone striving to build something meaningful through adversity. You’re not going to want to miss this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791. CAN’T WAIT!!!