14th in a series
Where Are They Now? Gopher Ron Kullas, WR (1973-1976)
Ron Kullas was a 6'2" 204 lb. wide receiver from Columbia Heights High School, Columbia Heights, MN, from the recruiting class of 1973. He remains the first and only CHHS alumnus to play for Minnesota. After earlier committing to the Air Force Academy, he changed to the maroon and gold when offered by Gopher head coach Cal Stoll in the spring of 1973. He came to the U as a defensive back, but after the first week of practice was switched to wide receiver.
With QB Tony Dungy throwing the ball, Kullas was the Gophers' leading receiver in 1975 and 1976. As a junior in '75 Kullas led the Gophers in pass receptions with 42 (2nd in the B1G), and 4 touchdowns (T-1st in the B1G). In 1976, he again led Minnesota in receptions with 33 (4th in the B1G). He was the first Minnesota player to ever catch 40 or more passes in a season. As a starter in just his last 2 seasons, Kullas finished with 78 receptions/958 yards/5 TDs for his career. He was selected 1st team ALL-B1G by the Chicago Tribune in 1976. In his Gopher career, he established new Minnesota receiver records for the most single-season receptions, the most single-season yardage, and the most receptions in the Big Ten season.
He remains a good friend of Tony Dungy and attended Dungy's Hall of Fame induction weekend in Canton as Tony's guest. Ron lives in New Brighton, MN, and is in his fourth year of coaching the wide receivers at Totino Grace High School.
Interview Questions:
1.How is your physical health, 42 years removed from your Gopher football career? Do you have lingering effects from concussions or any other football injuries?
I've had meniscus tear surgeries on both knees and ongoing lower back issues. Some memory loss - maybe a result of 3+ concussions.
2. Were you a Gopher football fan growing up? What are your earliest memories of Gopher football?
Yes, absolutely, as a youngster I remember listening to Ray Christensen’s call on WCCO while pheasant hunting with my dad and great uncle Pete as we drove around northern Iowa.
3. College football recruiting has obviously changed dramatically in the decades since you played. Please describe your college recruitment process, who recruited you from Minnesota, and the key factor(s) that led you to decide to play for the Gophers.
I was committed to playing at the Air Force Academy, but got a call from coach Stoll late in the spring of '73. He asked me to come down to Memorial stadium and watch spring practice. While sitting next to me he asked "Well, what do you think? Would you like to be a Gopher?" That was all it took. I changed my mind about the Air Force Academy in about 30 seconds! Turns out I got one of two scholarships he had left. What a great break for me!
4. Are you the only Columbia Heights High School alumnus to play for Minnesota?
Yes, I believe so. Greg Palitiuk signed a few years later but had a career-ending knee injury in practice and was unable to play
5. Do you have a favorite Coach Stoll story (or a few)?
He was always telling us to be "uncommon" - he said "success is uncommon, therefore not to be shared by the common man." I still use that line while coaching my guys today.
6. What are some of your favorite memories of your time at Minnesota (on and/or off the field)?
Game days - crisp fall weather, the sounds and smells around Memorial stadium; all the colors of the fall, gold and maroon everywhere. When I attend a game today, those feelings and memories come flowing back. I still get them like it was just yesterday.
7. What Gopher loss from your playing days stung/stings the worst?
Every loss hurt because we had worked so hard and always felt we were prepared, but I'd have to say the Ohio State game my senior year stung the worst. We wasted a tremendous defensive effort, lost 8-3 to a heavily favored top-5 rated Buckeye team. It was my first game back after fracturing two vertebrae against Michigan. We couldn't get the ball in the end zone, but we totally outplayed a vastly superior team.
8. What was the most satisfying Gopher win of your career?
Of course, we had two wins against Wisconsin - it's always nice to beat the Badgers! But number 1 would be our win at Michigan State, their homecoming. Coach Tom Moore had me go in motion on every play. I quess it worked, but I was totally exhausted by the end of the game.
9. What important life lessons did you learn from your football experiences?
Life throws many curveballs at you, everyone gets knocked down, has disappointments, setbacks; highs and lows. How we respond is what defines us.
10. How actively do you follow Gopher football? Do you attend any games? Are you a member of the MN Rivals site? How do you receive most of your Gopher sports news and information? Do you keep in touch with any former GG teammates?
I try to get to at least one game a year. Still remain close to Tony Dungy; he continues to be my mentor and motivator.
11. Did you get your degree from the U of M? What was your field of study?
Yes - Major PE with minors in coaching/health.
12. What was your work career after college? Are you currently retired?
After spending nearly 25 years in Sales/Marketing, for the last 18 years I've been employed at Mystic Lake Casino working in the table games department.1
13. Do you have any family/relationship news you want to share? (This is your opportunity to brag on your kids, grandkids, and/or your spouse).
I'm married to a beautiful Irish girl (Patrice) from the east side of St. Paul. We have two daughters - Rachel (20) attends the University of St. Thomas, and Gabby (18) is just starting at the University of Minnesota Duluth. ** They are my greatest accomplishments and I'm blessed to have them in my life.**
14. Has the current Gopher coaching staff made any contact with you?
No, but I did meet the wide receivers coach when he visited Totino Grace H.S., where I coach.
15. Do you have any Gopher tattoos? (Pics if possible)
NO - not a tattoo guy.
16. Are you active on social media? Which platforms?
My girls got me on Facebook.
17. Who was your funniest Gopher teammate?
Desi Williamson
18. Are you involved in any sports/fitness/physical activities and/or coaching? Please describe.
Yes, I'm in my fourth year as wide receivers coach at Totino Grace H.S. in Fridley, MN.
19. Concussions and CTE are on the minds of many sports fans and participants. Did any of your kids play football or other sports? Did they experience concussions? If you had kids or grandkids just starting out in sports, would you encourage or allow them to play tackle football?
Actually, I'm happy I had girls - it would be a difficult decision, I'd let them make it, but would be very apprehensive about football.
20. Tell us about something exciting/unusual/inspiring you’ve done since your Gopher days? (e.g.- travel, volunteering, learning Arabic, meeting the Pope, etc.)
I recently attended Tony's Pro Football Hall of Fame induction in Canton, Ohio. I was a guest of the Dungy family; it was an amazing 3 days, and a great time to spend with Tony.
21. What are you most passionate about?
Being the best dad I can be!
22. What might Gopher fans be surprised to learn about you?
I came to the U of M as a defensive back (strong safety). I was switched to the offensive side of the ball after 1 week. Best break of my life! Thank you coach Mo Forte.
23. Do you have any message for Gopher fans, Coach Fleck, or the current team?
I know it's been over 50 years (since the Gophers won a national title), but hey, Cub fans had to wait longer than that. We'll get there, and when that time comes....it will be a crazy time around Mpls/St. Paul and the entire state of Minnesota. Go Gophers!
Where Are They Now? Gopher Ron Kullas, WR (1973-1976)
Ron Kullas was a 6'2" 204 lb. wide receiver from Columbia Heights High School, Columbia Heights, MN, from the recruiting class of 1973. He remains the first and only CHHS alumnus to play for Minnesota. After earlier committing to the Air Force Academy, he changed to the maroon and gold when offered by Gopher head coach Cal Stoll in the spring of 1973. He came to the U as a defensive back, but after the first week of practice was switched to wide receiver.
With QB Tony Dungy throwing the ball, Kullas was the Gophers' leading receiver in 1975 and 1976. As a junior in '75 Kullas led the Gophers in pass receptions with 42 (2nd in the B1G), and 4 touchdowns (T-1st in the B1G). In 1976, he again led Minnesota in receptions with 33 (4th in the B1G). He was the first Minnesota player to ever catch 40 or more passes in a season. As a starter in just his last 2 seasons, Kullas finished with 78 receptions/958 yards/5 TDs for his career. He was selected 1st team ALL-B1G by the Chicago Tribune in 1976. In his Gopher career, he established new Minnesota receiver records for the most single-season receptions, the most single-season yardage, and the most receptions in the Big Ten season.
He remains a good friend of Tony Dungy and attended Dungy's Hall of Fame induction weekend in Canton as Tony's guest. Ron lives in New Brighton, MN, and is in his fourth year of coaching the wide receivers at Totino Grace High School.
Interview Questions:
1.How is your physical health, 42 years removed from your Gopher football career? Do you have lingering effects from concussions or any other football injuries?
I've had meniscus tear surgeries on both knees and ongoing lower back issues. Some memory loss - maybe a result of 3+ concussions.
2. Were you a Gopher football fan growing up? What are your earliest memories of Gopher football?
Yes, absolutely, as a youngster I remember listening to Ray Christensen’s call on WCCO while pheasant hunting with my dad and great uncle Pete as we drove around northern Iowa.
3. College football recruiting has obviously changed dramatically in the decades since you played. Please describe your college recruitment process, who recruited you from Minnesota, and the key factor(s) that led you to decide to play for the Gophers.
I was committed to playing at the Air Force Academy, but got a call from coach Stoll late in the spring of '73. He asked me to come down to Memorial stadium and watch spring practice. While sitting next to me he asked "Well, what do you think? Would you like to be a Gopher?" That was all it took. I changed my mind about the Air Force Academy in about 30 seconds! Turns out I got one of two scholarships he had left. What a great break for me!
4. Are you the only Columbia Heights High School alumnus to play for Minnesota?
Yes, I believe so. Greg Palitiuk signed a few years later but had a career-ending knee injury in practice and was unable to play
5. Do you have a favorite Coach Stoll story (or a few)?
He was always telling us to be "uncommon" - he said "success is uncommon, therefore not to be shared by the common man." I still use that line while coaching my guys today.
6. What are some of your favorite memories of your time at Minnesota (on and/or off the field)?
Game days - crisp fall weather, the sounds and smells around Memorial stadium; all the colors of the fall, gold and maroon everywhere. When I attend a game today, those feelings and memories come flowing back. I still get them like it was just yesterday.
7. What Gopher loss from your playing days stung/stings the worst?
Every loss hurt because we had worked so hard and always felt we were prepared, but I'd have to say the Ohio State game my senior year stung the worst. We wasted a tremendous defensive effort, lost 8-3 to a heavily favored top-5 rated Buckeye team. It was my first game back after fracturing two vertebrae against Michigan. We couldn't get the ball in the end zone, but we totally outplayed a vastly superior team.
8. What was the most satisfying Gopher win of your career?
Of course, we had two wins against Wisconsin - it's always nice to beat the Badgers! But number 1 would be our win at Michigan State, their homecoming. Coach Tom Moore had me go in motion on every play. I quess it worked, but I was totally exhausted by the end of the game.
9. What important life lessons did you learn from your football experiences?
Life throws many curveballs at you, everyone gets knocked down, has disappointments, setbacks; highs and lows. How we respond is what defines us.
10. How actively do you follow Gopher football? Do you attend any games? Are you a member of the MN Rivals site? How do you receive most of your Gopher sports news and information? Do you keep in touch with any former GG teammates?
I try to get to at least one game a year. Still remain close to Tony Dungy; he continues to be my mentor and motivator.
11. Did you get your degree from the U of M? What was your field of study?
Yes - Major PE with minors in coaching/health.
12. What was your work career after college? Are you currently retired?
After spending nearly 25 years in Sales/Marketing, for the last 18 years I've been employed at Mystic Lake Casino working in the table games department.1
13. Do you have any family/relationship news you want to share? (This is your opportunity to brag on your kids, grandkids, and/or your spouse).
I'm married to a beautiful Irish girl (Patrice) from the east side of St. Paul. We have two daughters - Rachel (20) attends the University of St. Thomas, and Gabby (18) is just starting at the University of Minnesota Duluth. ** They are my greatest accomplishments and I'm blessed to have them in my life.**
14. Has the current Gopher coaching staff made any contact with you?
No, but I did meet the wide receivers coach when he visited Totino Grace H.S., where I coach.
15. Do you have any Gopher tattoos? (Pics if possible)
NO - not a tattoo guy.
16. Are you active on social media? Which platforms?
My girls got me on Facebook.
17. Who was your funniest Gopher teammate?
Desi Williamson
18. Are you involved in any sports/fitness/physical activities and/or coaching? Please describe.
Yes, I'm in my fourth year as wide receivers coach at Totino Grace H.S. in Fridley, MN.
19. Concussions and CTE are on the minds of many sports fans and participants. Did any of your kids play football or other sports? Did they experience concussions? If you had kids or grandkids just starting out in sports, would you encourage or allow them to play tackle football?
Actually, I'm happy I had girls - it would be a difficult decision, I'd let them make it, but would be very apprehensive about football.
20. Tell us about something exciting/unusual/inspiring you’ve done since your Gopher days? (e.g.- travel, volunteering, learning Arabic, meeting the Pope, etc.)
I recently attended Tony's Pro Football Hall of Fame induction in Canton, Ohio. I was a guest of the Dungy family; it was an amazing 3 days, and a great time to spend with Tony.
21. What are you most passionate about?
Being the best dad I can be!
22. What might Gopher fans be surprised to learn about you?
I came to the U of M as a defensive back (strong safety). I was switched to the offensive side of the ball after 1 week. Best break of my life! Thank you coach Mo Forte.
23. Do you have any message for Gopher fans, Coach Fleck, or the current team?
I know it's been over 50 years (since the Gophers won a national title), but hey, Cub fans had to wait longer than that. We'll get there, and when that time comes....it will be a crazy time around Mpls/St. Paul and the entire state of Minnesota. Go Gophers!
