Ron Vrlicak

Seattle Rangers

Center

1967-1969

One of the best centers to ever play in the minor leagues, the former Beaverton, Oregon standout was a redshirt freshman at Washington State in 1962, and as the starting center, earned 3-letters from 1964-1966. As a member of the 1965 "Cardiac Kids", named because of the close games the Cougars played during a 7-3 AAWU season, Ron earned 1965 UPI All-West Coast honors and was a 1966 All Conference player his senior season.  Vrlicak would return to Pullman over the years to anchor the Wazzu Alumni team in their bouts with the Varsity.

Following his outstanding college career, Ron joined the Seattle Rangers of the Continental League and locked down the starting role from 1967-1969.  Following an All-Star 1968 season, Ron was signed by the B.C. Lions of the Canadian League in May, reporting for training camp in June.  Lafa Lane was able to coax Vrlicak back below the border, signing him to be the Rangers starting center for the 1969 campaign which Lane hoped would launch his bid for a pro-franchise for Seattle with the Rangers acting as the feeder team.

Ron was a unanimous pick as the CFL First Team center receiving all 20 votes.  Sacramento flanker Hugh Oldham was the only other player to be unanimously chosen as an All-Star in 1969.  Oldham was a record-setting kick returner with the 1967 Eugene Bombers, who went on to a Grey Cup championship with the Ottawa Rough Riders (1970-1974).

With the end of the Continental Football League, Ron began his professional business career, hanging up his cleats at the age of 25.

Vrlicak was honored by members of the Seattle Ramblers with induction into the The Pacific Northwest Football Hall of Fame in 2012.

Minor League Honors

1968 Continental League Pacific Division 2nd Team

1969 Continental League Pacific Division 1st Team (Unanimous)