Laramie Football Seeks a New Coach After Paul Ronga Resigns
Laramie High School is looking for a new head football coach. Paul Ronga stepped down on Monday after three seasons.
A release was sent to the media on Monday morning by LHS Athletic Director Ron Wagner.
It stated:
"Laramie High School is announcing the resignation of head football coach, Paul Ronga. Coach Ronga has decided that he needs to be back with his family back East and is planning to move back there as soon as he can. LHS would like to thank Coach Ronga for the time, dedication, and passion he led LHS Football with and wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors."
Ronga was 4-24 in his tenure as the head coach of Plainsmen football. Laramie made one playoff appearance in Ronga’s three seasons. That was during the 2022 campaign, when LHS fell to eventual state champion Sheridan, 52-27, in the first round of the Class 4A football playoffs.
In 2023, the Plainsmen finished 1-8. They were No. 10 in 4A in rushing, No. 5 in passing, and ranked No. 9 in total offense at 148 yards per game. Laramie averaged 8 points per game. On defense, they were seventh against the run, seventh against the pass, and finished No. 7 in total defense. LHS allowed 340 yards and 33.2 points per game.
Junior receiver Max Alexander led Class 4A in receiving yards per game at 86.7. That was the first time in school history that the Plainsmen had the top receiver in the state. Alexander had 46 catches for 780 yards and 5 TDs. He was second in total receiving yards in 4A and tied for third in the number of receptions. Junior QB Fisher Frude was seventh in passing at 124.2 yards per game. He completed 55.4 percent of his passes for 1,118 yards. Frude had six touchdown passes and 11 interceptions.
LHS football has not had a winning season since 2000. Unfortunately, Laramie set a new state record with their 23rd consecutive losing season in 2023.
A search for a new coach will begin immediately.
Kelly Walsh-Laramie Football
Gallery Credit: Libby Ngo