Richardson Joins @MIZ_TrackField Coaching Staff
8/1/2016 9:58:00 AM | Track & Field
Veteran Coach will Oversee Throws for Tiger Program
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Mizzou Track and Field program has added longtime and highly decorated throws coach Ross Richardson to its coaching staff, as announced today by Head Coach Brett Halter. Richardson, who has mentored 17 All-American performers and 27 NCAA finals qualifiers in a 25-year career, will take over coaching throws for the Mizzou program.
"Coach Richardson's resume speaks volumes to his capacity as a coach, however, he is a better person than he is a coach," said Halter. "Ross embodies our Positive Coaching principles, understanding that throwing far is only a small piece in the overall development of our athletes and their experience at Mizzou."
"I've known Coach Halter for over a decade and have always been impressed by Missouri's approach to building the complete athlete as a person, as a student and as an athlete who can compete at the highest levels, and this is a phenomenal opportunity to work with his staff and be part of the SEC," said Richardson. "I feel honored that Coach Halter has picked me to work with such a storied throws tradition that Missouri has and I look forward to working hard to continue that and have our kids compete for championships."
Richardson joins the Mizzou staff after coaching stints at Ohio State, Virginia, Harvard, Purdue and Miami (Ohio), among other stops at the Division I, junior college and high school levels. His most recent collegiate stop was at Harvard, for the 2014-15 season, where he coached Nikki Okwelogu to first-team All-American honors (6th-place in the shot put at NCAA Indoor Championships) and to a pair of Ivy League records, in the shot put and discus.
Prior to Harvard, Richardson was at Ohio State, where he served as the men's throws and multi-events coach from 2012-14. During his tenure with the Buckeyes, Richardson coached seven NCAA first round qualifiers, including first team All-America selection Bill Stanley, the Big Ten Conference Championship meet record holder in the javelin.
Prior to his time at Ohio State, Richardson was the throws coach at Virginia for both the men and women from 2011-12. His throwers won three ACC championships and set six schools records. From 2010-11, Richardson coached the women's throwers at Miami (Ohio), producing three NCAA first round qualifiers and one honorable mention All-American.
Richardson spent five seasons at Purdue from 2005-10 where he served as the assistant men's and women's track and field coach. His accomplished tenure with the Boilermakers was highlighted in 2007 when he received USTFCCCA Regional Coach of the Year accolades.
"Coach Richardson is widely regarded as one of the top throws coaches in the country because he's produced conference champions and All-Americans at every stop," said Halter. "We have a rich tradition in the throwing events at Mizzou dating back to the late 1800s, having produced conference champions, NCAA champions, All-Americans, American record holders, Olympic medalists and world champions. Ross will not only continue our history of excellence, but both he and our athletes he will coach will certainly add to the Mizzou legacy in the years to come."
"Coach Richardson is an amazing addition to the Mizzou Track & Field program," said current Mizzou throws sophomore Gabi Jacobs (Bloomington, Ill.). "I've had the opportunity to work with Coach Richardson before, and he's a phenomenal throws coach. Aside from being a great coach, he's also an amazing person. I believe greatness will blossom within the throwers under his new direction."
"Having worked with Coach Richardson in the past, I know that he brings a great dynamic to our team," said current throws senior Ahren Bohanan (St. Charles, Mo.). "Coach Richardson's knowledge of the throws is vast, and he will make a great impact on us in the weight room and the ring. Coach Richardson is not only a great coach, but a great person, and I am excited for him to join our program."
An All-American in track and field and football at Monmouth, Richardson graduated in 1989 with a degree in sociology. He was inducted into the Monmouth College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2003. He is a USATF Level II certified coach in throws and jumps and is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA and USTFCCCA).
For all the latest on Mizzou Track & Field, stay tuned to MUTigers.com and follow the team on Facebook (mizzou.trackfield), Twitter, and Instagram (MIZ_TrackField).
NEWS: Richardson Joins #Mizzou Coaching Staff#MIZ #TigerTough ??
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