Ralph Salem
Wrestling
Geneva HS Class of 1950

Ralph was the Section V Class B Sectional champion in the 175 weight class in 1947.  He was a member of Coach Ed Cuony’s powerhouse wrestling teams.  Ralph lettered in wrestling all four years and also played football for four years.  After graduation from high school, Ralph went on to Morrisville where he played football for one year before getting drafted into the army during the Korean War.  He was a decorated combat veteran who received the Bronze Star for valor.  In 1954 he went back to college, attending Ithaca College where he played football. Upon graduation in 1958, he remained at Ithaca College for two years coaching the freshman football team.

Ralph's long and distinguished career in education began at Queensbury High School and then Voorheesville Central School and Fulton High School where he also coached basketball and football. He posted winning records at both schools. He went on to Fort Edward High School in 1968 where served as Athletic Director as well as coaching football and basketball for twenty years. He also served as president of the NYS Council of Administrators of HPER and the NYS Athletic Directors Association.  Upon his retirement in 1988 he was honored by the Varsity Club for his many years of support of the Fort Edward sports program. He was also honored by the NYS Coaches Association for his distinguished service. Spa Catholic in Saratoga Springs asked Ralph to teach there after he retired which he did for 18 years.  Ralph passed away in 2007.