Ralph Lane spent twenty years in Louisiana Public Education as a teacher, administrator, and coach.
Lane began his football career while attending Bolton High School in Alexandria. He earned two varsity letters in football and three in track while at Bolton. In 1948, he was the Captain of the football team and was named Most Valuable Player.
He attended Louisiana College on a football scholarship and earned four varsity letters in that sport. During the four years he played at LC, Lane never missed a game. In 1952 he was Captain of the football team and was named to the All Gulf States Conference Defensive Team.
In addition to his success in football at LC, he also earned three varsity letters in baseball and track.
Lane's coaching career began with an assistant coaching position at LaGrange High School in Lake Charles. He assisted with football, basketball, and track for seven years before being named Head Track Coach in 1960. Three years later, he moved to Denham Springs High School to become their Head Football Coach.
One year later, Lane became Assistant Football Coach at Northeast Louisiana University under coach Dixie White and was there for six years. In 1972, he became Head Football Coach at Wossman High School in Monroe. He remained there until his retirement from professional coaching.
After retirement, Lane entered private business. He volunteered his time and talents to assisting and coaching Little League clubs.
Lane has been recognized for his long-term service to athletics and to the high ideals he instilled in his team members and the exemplary life he lived before them. As a former LC Sports Star, he was honored at the Tenth Annual Louisiana College Former Athletes Banquet.
The Wildcat Athletic Association proudly inducted Clifton Ralph Lane as a member of the Louisiana College Sports Hall of Fame on February 18, 1994.
