Hall of Fame
Ronnie Ash's journey from an unheralded high school senior to one of the fastest hurdlers in world history is a testament to the transformative power of opportunity and dedication afforded to him as a student-athlete at Bethune-Cookman University. His brief but brilliant tenure at B-CU established the foundation for a career that would ultimately place him among the elite in international track and field. Arriving to Daytona Beach in 2007, Ash quickly emerged as a dominant force in collegiate hurdles. As a sophomore in 2009, he achieved the rare distinction of sweeping both the NCAA Indoor and Outdoor Championships in the 110-meter hurdles, capturing national titles that announced his arrival on the national stage – and the first-ever for any Bethune-Cookman men's track & field athlete on the Division I level of athletics. His outdoor victory was particularly significant as he defeated Jason Richardson, who would later become a world champion. Ash's success helped elevate the profile of the Wildcats' track and field program and demonstrated the university's ability to develop world-class athletic talent. His achievements during his time in Daytona Beach served as a springboard for what would become one of the most remarkable careers in American hurdles history. He would go on to set an historic 12.99-second performance in the 110-meter hurdles in 2014 that made him the 17th fastest hurdler in world history and earned him membership in the prestigious sub-13 club. His career highlights include a silver medal at the 2014 IAAF Continental Cup and reaching the 2016 Olympic final in Rio de Janeiro. His national championship performances in 2009 remain among the most significant achievements in Wildcats track and field history, and his subsequent professional success has brought lasting honor to his alma mater.
