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Former MSU hockey coach, athletics director Ron Mason dies at 76

Ron Mason photo
Courtesy MSU Athletic Communications

Michigan State University has lost one of its legends. Ron Mason coached Spartan hockey for 23 years and then became the university’s athletic director. We look back on the life and legacy of Ron Mason.

The MSU community is mourning the loss of one of its greatest sports figures. Ron Mason was a legendary Spartan hockey coach who ended his 23-year run at Michigan State with the most wins of any collegiate hockey coach in history. Mason led MSU to a national hockey championship in 1986 and many playoff titles. Afterwards, Ron Mason served five years as MSU’s athletics director.

Ron Mason passed away yesterday at the age of 76.

We talk with two people who knew Ron Mason well to share their memories of this extraordinary man. Tom Newton is the assistant head coach of the MSU Spartan hockey team, and Scott Moore is the Spartan hockey play by play announcer with the Spartan Sports Network.

Kevin Lavery served as a general assignment reporter and occasional local host for Morning Edition and All Things Considered before retiring in 2023.
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