National Football Foundation honors local official Hoehn
Football and all the game entails isn’t just a hobby for Ron Hoehn. It’s a passion that has been a part of his entire life.
As the son of Bordentown Military Institute’s legendary coach, Robert “Doc” Hoehn, Ron has been a player, an official and most of all a role model for everyone involved in the game.
The National Football Foundation has named Ron Hoehn as one of the 2017 Chapter Leadership Award Recipients. He will be honored at the Foundation’s Awards Luncheon at the New York Hilton on Dec. 5.
“It’s very humbling,’’ said Hoehn. “I’m not the kind of guy that likes to be in the front. But, it does mean a lot because of my football heritage with my dad.’’
His dad coached at BMI from 1938 until his passing in 1960, and “Doc” is undoubtedly looking down proudly as Ron is honored.
Hoehn is representing the East region and one of five national honorees.
Hoehn, who has officiated for 42 years, is a member of the Delaware Valley Chapter and does a great job making sure the Chapter’s Scholarship Dinner is one of the highlights of many local high school players lives’.
“Ron is a great person that cares about the game and its players,’’ said Eric Hamilton, the Delaware Valley Chapter President. “He is our wizard. He is the man behind the curtain that makes it go. Always working tirelessly so our chapter can recognize the area coaches, players and volunteers, who make the game go.’’
Once he realized playing wasn’t going to be a lifelong career, Hoehn wasn’t about to give up the game he loved so he became an official.
He has been an officer in Central Jersey group and a great mentor to a lot of young officials.
“I always want to give the kids a fair shake,’’ Hoehn said of officiating the game. “They work hard, the coaches work hard and the officials need to work hard. Officiate the way you’d like it done if you were playing. Be fair and let the athletes determine the outcome.’’
Hoehn stuck a toe in the college officiating waters, but didn’t find the same joy as doing high school games.
“Whenever we get new officials I always tell them to have fun and enjoy what they are doing,’’ Hoehn said. “If you don’t enjoy it you shouldn’t do it.’’
One of the reasons Hoehn has enjoyed it all so much is the people he has met along the way and being a part of some very good crews.
“I’ve made some really good friends,’’ said Hoehn. “George Wah was my mentor and he is the one that got me involved with the Delaware Valley Chapter.’’
Wah, who passed away a few years back, was a teacher and coach at Trenton High and one of the most respected officials in the area.
In typical Hoehn style, he deferred the credit to the Chapter.
“This is important for the Chapter because it does so much for the Mercer County and Delaware Valley area, and the recognition should fall on them,” he said. “There are a great bunch of guys that are always looking to recognize the excellence on and off the field. So, me accepting this award shines the light on the chapter. I’m humbled to be the guy because there are so many more deserving then me.’’