The news of Coach Ronnie Long’s death from Staunton River High School was actually heavy for me. People in Vinton and across Staunton River are talking about him, as he was more than a mere wrestling coach; he formed the sports culture there.
The Saturday of December 6. 2025, when he died after suffering from a heart attack, is one of the most memorable moments for fans and supporters. Ronnie Long was in his sixties, and many were born when they learned that he was the coach who really pushed students to improve in both sports and in life. Well, I also had friends who kept talking about the Staunton River wrestling tournaments, and his name always came up like he was some kind of legend there.
He joined the Staunton River High School, where he served as head wrestling coach from 2007. For ten years, he worked with the children, strengthening their team. His teams won many games, bringing home eight straight Blue Ridge District Titles. These teams also finished in the top regional spots three times, which everyone on that side of Virginia knows is not easy to pull off.
Thus, one of the most significant moments people always mention is when his team won the first state championship in 1978. I can imagine the pride he must have felt. The man was elected Blue Ridge District coach at least 9 times, demonstrating consistency, and he also received the All Timesland Coach of the Year Award in 2013.
He was thus inducted into the Staunton River Athletic Hall of Fame in January 2025 for his contributions to Staunton River sports. He was also a member of the Roanoke Wrestling Association, which recognized him as Coach of the Year in 2016. He even worked with kids at the Ken Chertow Wrestling Camp, indicating how much he enjoyed teaching young wrestlers.
His retirement found him spending most of the time with his family. That part strikes a chord, reminding us how important family becomes once a person steps back from their career. Right now, however, it has created a massive void for all who knew him. People have been posting online about him, sharing memories and prayers for his family.
Staunton River Wrestling also shared a message saying that he was a man who touched many lives, and that his legacy will remain forever. They wrote about how he shaped the wrestling program, which is now known as something the school is known for. Reading it gave me the impression that he was indeed the kind of coach who cared not just about the sport but also about the students.
Coach Ronnie Long Survivor is His Family
Coach Long was a family man. Linda Long, his wife, posted a very emotional message on social media where she lamented that her heart is broken after losing her husband. She said he was a loving soul who helped many people. You could feel her pain in her words.
He leaves behind his wife, Linda, his son, Ron Long Jr., and his grandson. The grieving family also includes his siblings and cousins. Unfortunately, he had lost his daughter, Hannah Marie Long, who passed on in 2012 at the tender age of fifteen due to a car accident.
The family will release details of the funeral and memorial soon. People from the sports community and many others in Virginia are waiting to pay their respects. Even though he is no longer with us, his work in wrestling, as well as the kindness he showed, will remain. You may also be interested in: Mt Zion Football Player Landin Bodine Dies After Gunshot Injury at Sportsman Park
