STAFF REPORT
Glasgow News 1
Jim Richards, who coached Glasgow High School to the 1968 Kentucky basketball state championship and later led Western Kentucky University’s basketball program and athletics department, died Friday, Oct. 9, at 90, the university announced.
An Adair County native, Richards coached at Auburn and Glasgow high schools before returning to his alma mater in 1968 as an assistant basketball coach under John Oldham. His work with WKU athletics spanned more than four decades.
During his three seasons on Oldham’s staff, the Hilltoppers went 62-19, won two Ohio Valley Conference championships and made two NCAA Tournament appearances. The 1970-71 team reached the Final Four.
Richards succeeded Oldham in 1971 and compiled a 102-84 record over seven seasons. His teams won OVC regular-season championships in 1972 and 1976 and conference tournament titles in 1976 and 1978.
The 1977-78 team recovered from a 3-8 start to reach the NCAA Tournament. WKU beat nationally ranked Syracuse 87-86 in overtime to advance to the Sweet 16.
“He loved WKU Basketball as much as anybody,” WKU athletics director Todd Stewart said. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.”
After leaving basketball coaching in 1978, Richards served as coordinator of men’s athletics and head men’s golf coach through 1986. All eight of his golf teams posted winning seasons, according to WKU.
He later served as alumni affairs director, returned as interim athletics director in September 1993 and received the permanent appointment in July 1994. He retired that November.
Key Facts:
– Richards led Glasgow to the 1968 Kentucky state basketball championship.
– He coached WKU men’s basketball from 1971-78.
– He was OVC Coach of the Year in 1974 and 1976.
– He lettered in WKU baseball from 1955-58 and graduated in 1959.
– He entered the WKU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2005.
What’s Next:
Visitation and funeral arrangements have not been announced. WKU said information about services will be shared as it becomes available.
