Ron Coder

Biographical information

RolesNon-starter
SexMale
Full nameRonald Thomas "Ron"•Coder
Used nameRon•Coder
Born14 September 1928 in Norristown, Pennsylvania (USA)
Measurements183 cm
AffiliationsArmed Forces, Conshocken (USA)
NOC United States

Biography

Ron Coder was a track and field athlete in high school, but his potential for soccer was noticed after he enrolled in Penn State in 1947. He was soon recruited to be the college team’s goalkeeper and, with Penn, he won two collegiate soccer titles in 1950 and 1951. He also travelled with the squad to Iran in 1951 on a State Department-funded exhibition tour, before retiring from the sport after joining the United States Air Force. His athletic prowess was not forgotten, however, and in 1955 he was offered a spot on the Armed Forces’ soccer team, which eventually led to his selection to represent the United States in that sport at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics. There, the Americans lost their only match against upcoming silver medalists Yugoslavia 1-9 and failed to advance, although Coder did not play due to injury. This was his last international experience, and he spent the rest of his working days in the Air Force, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. His son, also named Ron, played five sessions in the National (American) Football League for the Seattle Seahawks and the St. Louis Cardinals.

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1956 Summer Olympics Football (Football) USA Ron Coder
Football, Men (Olympic) United States DNS