Ronald Blackledge came to Bowling Green from Canton Timken High School, where he was an outstanding scholastic athlete. He earned a numeral award in freshman football, while also playing freshman baseball. Blackledge earned his first gridiron award as a sophomore, moving into the lineup as a reserve defensive end.
Blackledge earned All-MAC First Team honors in 1959, and was a member of the 1959 National College Division Champions team which finished the season with a 9-0-0 overall record, and a 6-0-0 MAC record.
Blackledge became a starter in 1958, after injuries hit veteran Jerry Roberts. Doyt Perry referred to Blackledge as one of the most dependable athletes on the squad.
As a dual-sport athlete, Blackledge earned All-MAC Second Team honors in 1959, earning All-MAC First Team honors just a year later in 1960. It would be during this 1960 season the Blackledge would lead the NCAA in slugging percentage for the 1960 season, with a (.898).
Ronald Blackledge was elected to the BGSU Athletic Hall of Fame in 1972.
