Sparkplug, student-athlete, all-star, great personality are some of the attributes of Ron Magnant, a three-sport Bartlett High School standout in the early 1970s.

Many justifiable accolades come from his play-making, scoring, and leadership on the basketball court, whether it be for the Indians or later at Southeastern Massachusetts University (now UMass-Dartmouth).

Ron also started on the soccer pitch as a forward and the baseball diamond as an outfielder-infielder for Bartlett. He played three years (sophomore through senior) on varsity teams in all three sports, receiving letters all three years in each sport and was team captain in baseball and basketball in his senior year, 1972.

Ron’s honors and recognitions while at Bartlett include: receiving the George Finnegan Sportsmanship Award; in basketball he was named Central-West MVP and Border Conference All-Star; he was the first athlete ever at BHS to be selected to the Worcester Telegram & Gazette Basketball Super Team All-Star and did it in both 1971 and 1972; he was the most valuable player at the Providence College Basketball Camp; and was MVP at Bartlett in basketball as a junior and senior.

Included in his high school portfolio is Ron’s lead role in the senior class play.

In 1992, Ron was inducted into the UMass-Dartmouth Hall of Fame for his basketball achievements. He graduated from the college with a Bachelors Degree in Business Management/Education. While in college, he made the Dean’s List and was general manager of the college radio station.

Typical of accolades in area newspapers during his high school career was the following, in part, in the T&G by Nick Manzello: “A pint-sized (5-foot-9) playmaker, Ronnie Magnant more than makes up for his lack of size with ability…”

Bruce Wheeler, his college coach, says Rob was the best point guard he ever coached and in addition was a true leader both on and off the court.

Ron lives in San Diego where he is the owner of San Diego Hot Tubs.