University of Northwestern Athletics

Basketball 1952-'56, Baseball 1953-'56

The phrase “impact player” was invented for athletes like Ron.  On the court, “Lievy” impacted Northwestern College’s basketball.  Lightning quickness and a sweet jump shot made the point guard a leading scorer during his four seasons.  His strong leadership earned him his teammates’ selection as “Captain” and in 1956 Ron was named “Outstanding Senior Athlete” for his successes in basketball and baseball as a shortstop and second baseman.

The impact of Ron’s life is still being measured.  Ron coached basketball for two years at Northwestern.  After a 30-year head coaching and teaching career at Normandale Community College, Ron was inducted into the Minnesota Community College Conference Hall of Fame.  Of the 8,100 students touched by Coach Lievense, his greatest impact was on his son, Ron, Jr., who followed in his father’s footsteps first as a leading scorer at Northwestern College and then as a head coach.  Off the court, Ron and wife, Ruth (Moyer, Class of 1955), impacted the ministries of Bloomington Baptist where he served as an elder and Sunday School teacher.