Upper Iowa University Athletics

J. Paul Richards, class of 1960, was inducted into the Upper Iowa University Athletic Hall of Fame in the coaching category. As a four-year letter winner in football at end and safety, he played under Coach Doc Dorman. He was a co-captain during his senior year and was also a member of the 1956-57 championship basketball team.

Richards earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education, social science and economics from Upper Iowa and his master’s degree from Winona State University in 1970. Upon graduation from Upper Iowa, he entered into a 38-year teaching, coaching and officiating career in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

At North Branch, Minnesota, he became the head football coach from 1963-65, where he had two undefeated seasons and produced the first undefeated, untied conference championship in the school’s history. He also won the District 25 Championship that same year. He was named Coach of the Year for Region 7 in 1964.

From 1966-1969, Richards continued his teaching and coaching career in Marshfield, Wisconsin, as the head football coach.

In 1970, he accepted a position at Winona Senior High School and spent the next 28 years teaching social studies and coaching. As head tennis coach from 1969-1998, his teams compiled a 265-77 record, which included conference and regional championships, as well as state tournament appearances. Winona Senior High School players made many appearances in the State Tennis Individual Tournament during those years. Winona doubles teams have finished as high as fourth in the state, as well as second place in the singles category.

Richards is a native of Fayette and a graduate of Fayette High School, where he was an outstanding athlete. He and his wife Sharoll (Fay) Richards (Upper Iowa University 1956-57) reside in Minnesota City, Minn. They are the parents of a daughter, Nan, and two sons, Ross and Matt.