Meet Ron Meurrens

“I’m Ron Meurrens. I grew up in Salina, KS. I graduated from Washburn University in Topeka, after “multiple stops”, playing basketball at various schools.

I spent 12 years, after graduating with a Political Science degree, running one of the top comedy clubs in the U.S. In 2006, after opening my own clubs in Michigan, I moved to my favorite city, Chicago where I did voice over work for tv, commercials, etc., until 2020 and covid brought me back to KS (Topeka).

My favorite Christmas present was the multiple ELECTRIC FOOTBALL games from the Sears Christmas catalog. Probably 4 by age 13. However never really played the game much. Would play with it for a couple weeks then get bored because i would much rather be actually playing a sport. I was active in every sport until high school (only tennis in high school, and basketball in college).

My interest in ELECTRIC FOOTBALL rose about 2 years ago, when I saw a RED ZONE BOARD and thought if I could find a Kansas State team, (7th generation KSU. Great Great grandfather – me all went) it would be a cool mancave display. During this time, I couldn’t believe how detailed and incredible the figures had become. The real life action possess, but the amazing painting and detailed craftsmanship that was being done blew me away. So I joined a couple groups on FB too try to find teams… could I turn my board into KSU actual field. And the more I tried to make my little display unique, I kept meaning great people. Starting with Ronnie Bradley and his work.

Anyway, was able to get my “board” done for display but continued watching the work in these groups and see people’s home setups and passion for this community and started to become drawn to it. Every person I “met” online were all so helpful to share info with any questions I would have about anything. Like how to personalize players with the names? How do you do these uniforms? And I actually ordered the name and number set to personalize my K State team from Beenutt. Did it and that was the final straw. I was hooked. I wanted to see if I could do this (and not spend $$$ buying teams) in any capacity. Because… 9 years ago I was diagnosed with MS. and in just the last 6-9 months my mobility and motor skills have become so limited I no longer work, not able to physically go out a lot, and found myself at home bored to death. I thought that if nothing else, maybe trying to learn to paint teams would at least be something to do.

But I also know I have ZERO artistic ability. NONE. NADA. ZIP. 😀😀 I had no idea where to buy teams, what paint to use, on and on. But what I did find was some of the most helpful, friendly, passionate people, who would do anything to make someone enjoy there “hobby ” as much as they do. I’ve made numerous friends, including Chris Harrison (who you should talk with.) who I talk to multiple times a day about teams to paint, is this the right color, etc….. but a lot of times, just life. Mark (Klingbeil)Itz is someone who’s work is amazing, and I admire, and he’s always had kind words about my projects. Bryan Nutt who will answer any questions I have, and I could go on and on.

About why college. I love college football and basketball. Especially football. You can feel the tradition and rivalries just by seeing the teams uniforms. My 1st attempts were painting “alternate” uniforms for Kansas State because they are never going to actually wear some, and I thought they turned out ok. So I decided to try to paint the BIG8 that I grew up with. I’ve learned a few things while doing that.

1) I hate shoulder stripes. I’m horrible.

2) helmet logo. I’m terrible….

So, I was ready to quit days into this. Then I got the best words of wisdom…. someone told me that with actually painting and not doing decals. “The perfection is in the imperfections “ and once I embraced that, it has just become an absolute pleasure, boarding on addiction. I have no rhyme or reason to what team is next. If a team has 3 styles of uniforms, I like, I now paint 3 or 4 players in each style.

As far as actually playing the game, I have no interest in that, but yet, I love watching groups post videos about their match ups and would love to find one close to just be around people who love this so much. Would probably have great stories to share. And it has truly made a huge difference in my life right now. And I feel blessed to have stumbled upon such a great thing as ELECTRIC FOOTBALL”

Thanks, Ron, for providing this information!!”

I first started noticing Ron when he posted on Facebook “Need some help Facebook friends. Trying to find someone/someplace that could make an end table like this one. Would be perfect way to display my setup. Thanks for any help and/or suggestions”