RON BACKES

Ron Backes was born in Cold Spring, Minnesota and participated in football, basketball, and track and field at Cold Spring Rocori High School. He went on to graduate from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Marketing Education. Later, he received his Master’s Degree in Education from Minnesota State University-Mankato. In college, Ron competed in the shot put and discus, where he won six Big Ten Championships and an NCAA Indoor Shot Put Championship. 

After graduating from college, he continued to pursue athletics, and competed at the world-class level, winning the U.S. Indoor Shot Put Championship three times and the U.S. Outdoor Championship once. He went on to represent the United States in the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, Spain, finishing 10th in the shot put. 

Ron has been on the staff with Minnesota FCA since 1999. Today, he serves in Coaches Ministry. Ron’s responsibilities are to strengthen and expand FCA’s ministry to coaches throughout the state. He facilitates coaches’ discipleship studies, leadership training and one-on-one discipleship. He presents FCA’s coaching model at various schools, churches, athletic associations, coaches’ clinic and events. 

In addition to his work with FCA, Ron speaks to groups of all ages. He is passionate about sharing his faith story and encouraging people in their walk with God. He is married to Michelle, who is also on staff with Minnesota FCA. They have two children.