Richmond Athletics

Date: June 8, 2024

Time: Dinner starts at 6pm.  Ceremony to follow.

Cost of a meal is $12/person.  Click here to pay.

Click here to RSVP for the Ceremony.

LIST OF INDUCTEES:

Patrick Pierson - Class of 1991

A standout on the football field as well as on the wrestling mat, Patrick Pierson emerged as a beacon of excellence during his career at Richmond High School.

As a senior at RHS, Patrick would earn All-Conference, All-District, and All-State Running Back honors. Displaying true durability at running back, along with his leadership skills on the field, Patrick would set a new school record for rushing yards in a single season, collecting 1365 yards on 228 carries, scoring 10 touchdowns.

Patrick's talents transcended the gridiron onto the wrestling mat. Later in that same year, he cemented his legacy by capturing the 1A-2A State Championship title in the 160 lbs weight class, finishing with a record of 18-2. Patrick’s tenacity, technique, and unwavering resolve propelled him to the pinnacle of success, leaving his mark on the football and wrestling programs at Richmond High School.

Robbie Robinson - Class of 1979

Robbie Robinson, a proud member of the Richmond High School Class of 1979, left an incredible mark on the school's athletic legacy. As a standout athlete, Robbie showcased his talents across multiple sports, earning recognition and admiration from teammates and coaches alike.

In football, Robbie was a force on both sides of the ball. As a two-year letterman, he was a standout wide receiver in a run-oriented offense, amassing an impressive 400 yards receiving on just 18 receptions, scoring six touchdowns during his senior year alone. His exceptional performance on the field earned him All-Conference and All-District honors as both a receiver and defensive back, solidifying his reputation as one of the top players in the area.

Beyond the gridiron, Robbie also excelled in track and field, where his speed and athleticism were unmatched. In 1979, he set the school record in the 200-meter with an impressive time of 21.5 seconds. That 45-year-old record still stands strong today. Additionally, Robbie once held the school records for the 100 yd dash, 400m, 400m Relay, and the Mile Relay, further highlighting his versatility and talent as a track athlete. Throughout his high school career, he lettered all four years in track, leaving a lasting impact on the program.

Not content with excelling in just two sports, Robbie also showcased his skills on the basketball court as a two-year letterman, demonstrating his versatility and athletic prowess across different disciplines.

After graduating from RHS, Robbie answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Army, where he continued to demonstrate the same level of dedication, discipline, and excellence that defined his athletic career.

Ashley (Simmons) Smith - Class of 2004

Ashley Smith's journey in sports is marked by excellence and records shattered. As a three-year letterman in volleyball, she etched her name into school history by setting two remarkable records: Digs/season (232) and saves/career (83). Her defensive prowess and commitment to the game were evident from her early years. Not only did she dominate on the court, but she also earned the team passing award consistently throughout her sophomore, junior, and senior years.

Cross country was another arena where Ashley's achievements shined bright. A three-year letterman, she displayed her endurance and determination by becoming a two-time state qualifier and a two-time all-district athlete. Her consistent excellence earned her the Outstanding Runner award three times during her high school career. Even at the collegiate level, Ashley's passion for running persisted, as she competed for one year at Maryville University.

In track and field, Ashley's performances were nothing short of spectacular. A four-year letterman, she excelled in distance events, clinching the most point distance award in both her sophomore and junior years. Her prowess on the track was further validated by her two-year tenure as an all-conference athlete.

Ashley's versatility extended to the wrestling mat, where she displayed unmatched skill and tenacity. Although a two-year letter winner as a Spartan, Ashley would find the majority of her wrestling success on the national stage. Under the tutelage of her father and Hall of Fame Wrestling Coach Ken Simmons, Ashley would secure the Missouri Girls state championship twice. Her dominance transcended gender boundaries, as evidenced by her remarkable 23-7 record against male opponents. Ashley's achievements in wrestling were recognized nationally, with two medals at the Girls National Wrestling tournament and three selections as a USA wrestling magazine All-American. Her consistent performance saw her ranked among the top eight wrestlers in the nation in her weight class.

Beyond her athletic feats, Ashley's commitment to academic and ethical excellence was unwavering. A scholar-athlete in every sense, she graduated with a stellar 4.08 GPA. Her dedication to both academics and athletics earned her numerous accolades, including the 2004 Academic Scholar Athlete Award and the prestigious 2004 Army National Scholar Athlete Award. Ashley's integrity and sportsmanship were recognized with the 2004 MSHSAA Award of Excellence for Sportsmanship, Ethics, and Integrity.

Throughout her high school career, Ashley's dedication and talent garnered widespread recognition. She was honored with the three-sport MRVC All-Academic Award as a freshman and sophomore, followed by the four-sport MRVC All-Academic Award in her junior and senior years. Her commitment to excellence, both on and off the field, serves as a testament to her remarkable character and drive.

Reid Summers - Class of 2014

Reid Summers' name is synonymous with excellence on the basketball court. A four-year letterman, he rewrote the record books, leaving his mark on RHS basketball program. Currently holding an astounding eight school records. Holding records in Career Points (2036), 3-point field goals in a game (12), season (132) and career (399), Field Goal Percentage/Career (.817), Free Throw Percentage in a season (.886) and Career (0.84) and Consecutive Free Throws (32), Reid's legacy in basketball is unparalleled. His dominance on the court was duly recognized through numerous accolades. A four-year All-Conference honoree, he consistently showcased his talent and leadership, earning the respect of opponents and teammates alike. His stellar performances earned him three consecutive years as an All-District player and two prestigious selections to the All-State team. Reid would also be named to the All-Metro Team, as well as earning a roster spot in the MO-KAN All Star game.

Beyond the hardwood, Reid's athleticism and talent extended to the baseball diamond. A four-year letterman in baseball, he left an equally impressive legacy, holding two school records. His pitching prowess was unmatched, evident in his records for earned run average in a season (0.91) and opponents' batting average in a season (0.13). Reid's contributions to baseball were further underscored by his three-year tenure as an All-Conference player.

After a stellar high school career, Reid continued his basketball journey at North Central Community College before transferring to the University of Central Missouri, where he earned his degree in Sports Management.

Elizabeth (Farnan) Wells - Class of 2008

Elizabeth Wells epitomizes excellence on the volleyball court. As a four-year letterman, she etched her name into RHS history, as she currently holds an impressive 11 school records. Establishing new marks in Season Hitting Percentage (0.321), Career Hitting Percentage (0.251), Digs/Career (560), Dig Passing Grade/Career (2.28), Serve Rec GPA/Season (2.54), Serve Rec GPA/Season (3.6), Service Points/Career (323), Aces/Season (55), Aces/Career (125), Kills/Season (55) and Kills/Career (407), Elizabeth's stellar performances earned her recognition as an All-Conference and All-District player, further solidifying her status as a RHS volleyball phenom.

Beyond volleyball, Elizabeth's athleticism shone brightly in other arenas. A four-year letterman in track and field, she showcased her versatility by qualifying for state in the 400m in 2006. Additionally, Elizabeth displayed her prowess on the basketball court. As a three-year letterman, she was selected to the KMZU dream team.

Elizabeth's brilliance extends far beyond the sports arena, excelling academically as well. Graduating as the Valedictorian of her class in 2008, she exemplified dedication and intellect. Her commitment to excellence carried over into her collegiate academics, pursuing her passion for Biology at Rockhurst University, where she played college basketball as a walk-on. Elizabeth continued her education at the University of Missouri, where she would study Veterinary Science.

Gabe Vandiver - Class of 2012

Gabe Vandiver's journey in football is defined by excellence and triumph. A three-year letter winner, Gabe's high school career reached its pinnacle as he helped lead the Spartans to the 3A State Football Championship in 2010. His prowess as a running back and returner earned him numerous accolades, including All-State honors in 2010 and 2011. Gabe's impact wasn't confined to offense; he also excelled on the defensive side of the ball, earning All-Conference recognition as both a running back and defensive back in consecutive years. His remarkable talent and versatility are further underscored by four school records, including rushing yards in a season (2084), rushing yards/carry (9.5), as well as longest interception return (105 yards) and longest run from scrimmage (95 yards). Gabe's dominance garnered him prestigious awards such as KC All-Metro Running Back, District Player of the Year, and KMZU Dream Team Offensive Player of the Year. His contributions to the sport were recognized on a broader scale, as evidenced by his selection to the MO-KAN All-Star Game and being named to the All-Simone Team. Gabe's excellence on the field culminated in being named a finalist for the Frank Fontana Award, the award given to the best all-around small school player in classes 1-4.

Gabe would also leave his mark in track and field. A three-year letterman, he played a pivotal role in his team's conference championship victories in 2010 and 2011. His speed and agility were evident in individual events, as he clinched the conference title in the 200m and secured a runner-up spot in the 100m in 2010.

Gabe's stellar high school career paved the way for a collegiate journey at the University of Central Missouri, where he earned a scholarship to play football. Despite the transition to the collegiate level, Gabe continued to showcase his talent, earning honorable mention All-MIAA Running Back recognition in 2016.

1962 RHS Football Team

Coached by RHS Hall of Fame inductees Charles Hamann, Alan Ritchie and George Pirch, the 1962 Spartans rolled through a 9-0-1 season, outscoring their opponents 233-69. The Spartans began the year battling Ruskin to a 6-6 tie. Richmond would then run off a nine consecutive wins over Higginsville (19-13), Excelsior Springs (19-6), Wentworth Military Academy (40-0), Lexington (28-7), Marshall (13-6), Carrollton (26-18), Odessa (50-0), Slater (6-0) and closed out their season with a 26-13 victory over Liberty. The Spartans finished the season ranked #2 in the state behind the historically successful Jefferson City Jays.

Postseason honors included All-Conference/All-District Quarterback Kenny Bryant, All-Conference/All-District/All-State Fullback William A.Elliott, All-Conference/All-District/All-State Tackle Jim Pirch, All-Conference/All-District Half Back Curtis Kencheloe, All-Conference/All-District Guard Ronnie Register, All-Conference/All-District End William L. Elliott, All-Conference Half Back Glenn Lamb, All-Conference Center Charles McGraw and All-Conference Linebacker George Middleton.

Other team members that contributed to the team's success are Quarterback John Lamar, End Jim Clark, Fullback Joe Stockton, End Paul Patterson, End Gary Deer, Tackle Mike Douglas, Guard Marc Foster, Half Back David Robinson, Half Back Roy Worrell, Quarterback Ron Wyse, Tackle Doug Elliott, Tackle Jim Rippy, Fullback Mike Hicks, Tackle Sam Clemens.

Team Members:

J. Lamar, J. Stockton, G. Lamb, R. Register, K. Bryant, C. McGraw, W.L. Elliott, J. Pirch, W.A. Elliott, G. Middleton, C. Kincheloe, P. Patterson, R. Crowley, D. Rountree, M. Douglas, D. Robinson, R. Worrell, M. Foster, R. Wyse, J. Rippy, J. Clark, G. Deer, S. Clemens, D. Tracy, C. Mohn, J. Bates, L. Rogers, J. Jones, J. Prather, M. Fields, D. Stewart, M. Hicks, R. Jelinek, R. Outersky, T. Cringan, Coach Pirch, Coach Ritchie, D. Spencer, N. Bowman, S. Lillard, M. Metcalf, G. Grauberger, J. Peart, E. Wuttke, Coach Hamann