Paul Richards

Category

E.L. Meyers High School – Bloomsburg State College

Scholastic/Collegiate Swimming – Athlete – Coach

Paul Richards grew up in a swimming family in South Wilkes-Barre. 

From 1968 to 1971 he helped his E.L. Meyers High School swim team win four consecutive PIAA District II championships.

He earned four individual PIAA District championships in the 100 butterfly, 200 freestyle, and the 400 freestyle. 

Named All State in the 400 freestyle in 1970. 

Held Meyers school records in the 50, 100, 200 and 400 freestyle, the 100 butterfly and the 200 Individual Medley.

At Bloomsburg State College, held the school record in the 200 IM. 

Member of the PSAC championship winning and record breaking 400 freestyle relay team which earned a berth at the 1974 National Championships. 

His swimming led to a college coaching career that spanned almost four decades. 

Starting at Hartwick College in Oneonta, NY, moving on to Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, VA.

The last 26 years at Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA. 

His teams won nine conference championships while Richards was recognized as “Coach of the Year” ten times. 

Coached multiple conference champions and NCAA All Americans while amassing over 500 career coaching wins. 

He recently retired from coaching and teaching at Dickinson College.