A native of Paw Paw, Michigan, Ron Labadie served as head varsity football coach at Marshall High School, (1974-81), where he compiled a 42-30 overall record, including a 39-15 mark over his last six years. Under Labadie, Marshall captured Twin Valley Conference Championships in 1976 and ’77. His undefeated season in the fall of 1977 led to the first state playoff berth for any Marshall football team to that point.
Labadie later moved on to become the Head Football Coach at Adrian College (his alma mater). In his eight seasons as head coach of the Bulldogs, the team posted a 53-20 (.730) collegiate record. He guided the Bulldogs to MIAA Championships in 1983, 1988 and ’89, as well as leading his team to NCAA Division III playoff berths in 1983 and 1988. He was given the additional responsibilities of Director of Athletics for Men in May, 1985. During his time as a student athlete at Adrian College, earned the school’s most valuable player award three times (1968-70) and was named captain of the 1969 and ’70 teams. He earned first team All-MIAA honors and led the conference with 10 touchdowns in five MIAA games as a senior. He was inducted into the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 1981.
Following his time at Adrian College, Labadie went on to the NFL to become a scout for the Miami Dolphins, eventually being promoted to the position of Director of College Scouting, ultimately retiring from that position after 25 years of service.