Remembering Ron Underwood: A Lifetime of Service, Mentorship, and Heart

Today, our CHSSA family mourns the loss of one of our greatest. Ron Underwood, Hall of Fame coach, mentor, historian, and friend to so many, has passed away.

1958 Downey High Forensics Team with student Ron Underwood. Click to enlarge.

Ron’s speech journey began as a student debater under CHSSA’s first president, Edna Spelts, a beginning that forever tied his story to the organization he would later help define. He began coaching in 1963 and spent more than sixty years transforming the landscape of California speech and debate. From his early years at Downey High School to his decades at Beyer High School, he taught with heart, led with humility, and believed, with his whole being, in the power of giving every student a voice. His philosophy was simple: “As much speech opportunity for as many as possible.” And he lived that truth every day.

For Ron, speech and debate were never just about competition. They were about connection, about belonging, confidence, and community. He believed that the real measure of success wasn’t the trophies you won but the people you lifted along the way.

Ron Underwood teaching at Downey High School, early 1960s.

His service to CHSSA was remarkable in both scope and spirit. Ron served as Vice President of Activities (State Tournament Director) for 3 years, Area 2 Chair for 19 years, Curriculum Representative, Representative at Large, Board Historian, and much more. He guided both the Yosemite Forensic League (YFL) and the Southern Valley Forensic League (SVFL) as a longtime leader and mentor. His steady leadership and kindness shaped the very fabric of California’s forensics community, particularly throughout the Central Valley.

Ron was inducted into the CHSSA Hall of Fame in 1988, as a member of the inaugural class, and into the National Forensic League/National Speech and Debate Association Hall of Fame in 1992. He was also recognized nationally as a Ten-Diamond Coach, reflecting more than 420,000 student points earned under his guidance, a testament to the thousands of students he inspired and the lives he forever changed.

Although his focus was always participation over prestige, his results were extraordinary: more than 600 State qualifiers, 160 National qualifiers, eight State champions, and one National champion in Student Congress. His Beyer High School program became one of the most respected in the nation: the largest chapter in its district for 30 consecutive years, earning four Leading Chapter Awards, 24 yearly Sweepstakes Plaques, and eight Cumulative Sweepstakes Trophies, a national record.

Ron Underwood with the Beyer High School Speech and Debate Team, 1975

Ron and Sharon Underwood at Beyer High School, 1980s.

Even in retirement, Ron and his beloved wife Sharon never stopped showing up for the community they loved. Year after year, tournament after tournament, they attended SVFL tournaments in Fresno and Bakersfield, often running the judge house together and greeting coaches with open hearts and endless wisdom. Ron often said his career was a joint effort with Sharon, who supported tournaments, tracked points, and stood by his side every step of the way. The truth is that Ron and Sharon didn’t just attend tournaments; they filled them with warmth, laughter, and quiet grace, bringing light and steadiness wherever they went. For all of us who were lucky enough to be there, their kindness turned the bustle of competition into community, and every tournament felt a little more like home.

Ron and Sharon Underwood at the 2018 CHSSA State Championship

Ron’s lifelong devotion to service was recognized in 2011 when he received the Donovan Cummings Service Above Self Award, an honor given to those who go far beyond what is required to uplift others and strengthen the activity. The award celebrates those who give tirelessly without desire for recognition or thanks, and Ron embodied that spirit completely. He was nominated for the award by Donovan Cummings himself, who later asked Ron to continue his work as CHSSA’s historian after his retirement.

In that role, Ron spent over a year gathering photographs, stories, and records to create CHSSA’s 50th Anniversary History, preserving the voices and spirit of California speech and debate for generations to come. He approached that work the same way he approached teaching: with care, integrity, and a full heart.

Ron Underwood at the 2019 CHSSA State Championship

His colleagues described him as a man of deep grace and good humor, someone who could be demanding and exacting when needed but endlessly compassionate and encouraging. As Hall of Fame coach John Cardoza wrote, “Ron Underwood epitomizes the best of the teaching profession: a gentleman of humility whose devotion and dedication to education is known best through the successes of his students.” In his own words, Ron reflected, “I have loved teaching and coaching, and the privilege of helping students find their voice, their courage, and their sense of self. I never took for granted the joy that comes from seeing them discover who they are and what they can do.”

Ron didn’t just build programs or champions; he built people. His lessons reached far beyond the classroom or the tournament: they taught us how to lead with integrity, how to serve without seeking recognition, and how to see the potential in every voice. Many of us on today’s CHSSA Board were shaped by his kindness, his guidance, and his steady faith in what this activity can and should be. His influence lingers in the way we lead, the way we teach, and the way we care for our students and each other. We are who we are because of him. We considered him a mentor, a model, and a dear friend, and our hearts ache deeply at this loss.

Thank you, Ron, for your compassion, your humor, your service, and your unshakable commitment to young people and young coaches. You showed us what it means to live a life of purpose, generosity, and love.

“No one ever wants life to end, but, if it must, I know I’ve had a wonderful one, surrounded by wonderful people. And, if I could do it all over again, I would, without a doubt. I love you Sharon and always will.”

— Ron Underwood

May we carry forward his belief that every voice matters, and may his own echo always remind us to serve with heart.

We love you, Ron, and our hearts are with you, Sharon.

View some photos and videos from Ron Underwood’s incredible career

If you have others, please feel free to email them to Historian@CHSSA.org — we would appreciate your contributions!

Learn more about the remarkable life and lasting impact of Ron Underwood

Obituary (written by Ron):
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/fresnobee/name/ronald-underwood-obituary?id=59903231

CHSSA Hall of Fame Interview Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yp8C7libPWI

CHSSA Hall of Fame Profile:
http://www.chssa.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Ron-Underwood.pdf

CHSSA Service Above Self Award:
https://chssa.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Ron.pdf

“Remembering KDHS – Ron Underwood, Speech Instructor/Advisor” (written by Ron):
https://modestoradiomuseum.org/remembering-kdhs-ron-underwood-speech-instructor-advisor/

CHSSA 50th Anniversary Book (co-authored by Ron):
https://chssa.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/PROOF-CHSSA-HISTORY.pdf

“Modesto honored to welcome state’s very best ‘speechies’” (Modesto Bee, April 24 2014):
https://www.modbee.com/opinion/editorials/article3163798.html