Local News
Football: Sturgis hires coach from Nebraska
del.icio.us
Digg
NewsVine
FarkSTURGIS — There is a new head football coach in Sturgis.
Rod Richardson has been selected to head the Scoopers, according to a news release from the school’s athletic department.
“I’m coming in with very high expectations for the coaching staff, the students and myself,” Richardson said. “I’m very excited about taking over a program that is on the rise.”
Richardson has been teaching and coaching at Fort Calhoun High School in Nebraska for the past six years. Richardson has been the defensive coordinator for the football program and has also served with the boys and girls basketball programs.
Sturgis activities director Mike Paris said Richardson’s coaching stints gave him valuable experience with mid- to large-enrollment schools.
“He has a lot experience at the big school level,” Paris said. “He brings to the table what we’re looking for to keep this program moving in the right direction.”
Richardson replaces Adolph Shepardson, who announced his resignation in January. The Scoopers were 0-10 in Shepardson’s first year at the helm, but snapped a near-decade long losing skid with a 22-20 decision over Rapid City Stevens on Sept. 1, 2006.
Another win over Spearfish followed later that season. In 2007, the Scoopers improved to 4-6, including a playoff win over Sioux Falls Lincoln.
“He’s been up here and met the kids. He plans to be back here in the next month or so,” Paris said.
“I was impressed with the athletic department and what they’re trying to do to improve the program there,” Richardson said in a telephone interview Wednesday night.
“After watching films, my offensive philosophy is pretty similar to coach Shepardson’s, so it should be a pretty smooth transition. I don’t think there will be a lot of difference. I just hope the kids will continue to play hard,” Richardson said.
Fort Calhoun finished 3-5 overall in 2007. Under Richardson, the Pioneers’ defense allowed 25.4 points per game. Fort Calhoun, which is 14 miles north of Omaha, competes in Nebraska’s Class C1 in football, the same division as Chadron, Neb.
This is not Richardson’s first head coaching job. He served as the head football coach at Wabaunsee High School in Alma, Kan., where he also served as the assistant boys basketball coach during his eight-year tenure at the Kansas school. Richardson then taught at Papillion-La Vista High School, one of the largest in Nebraska, where he coached receivers and linebackers.
“I feel very fortunate to have a quality staff in place who are familiar with the students,” he said. “I’m looking forward to being a Scooper.”
The opinions above are from readers of rapidcityjournal.com and in no way represent the views of the Rapid City Journal or Lee Enterprises.
Rapidcityjournal.com provides this community forum for readers to exchange ideas and opinions on the news of the day. Passionate views, pointed criticism and critical thinking are welcome. Name-calling, crude language and personal abuse are not welcome. Moderators will monitor comments with an eye toward maintaining a high level of civility in this forum. Our comment policy explains the rules of the road for registered commenters.
If you don't see your comment, perhaps...
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy