Meet Coach Bam

Tell Us About Yourself

Coach Bam Richards

I am Antonio Richards and I am from Troy, AL where I was a student athlete at Charles Henderson High School.  I later attended Alabama State University and played offensive tackle.  In 2004 I earned my B.S degree in Physical Education. I also received my administration degree in 2009, from Alabama State University.  I am the oldest of three children and my parents work for the Troy Police Department.  I am married to Melanie Lane Richards (Troy, AL) we have two children (Madison Joy Richards (8) and (Angland Major Richards (3) . 

I have twelve years of experience in education.  My career started at Troy Elementary School in 2004 where I was a special education aide, in addition to coaching the offensive line.  I later returned to Charles Henderson and accepted a position to teach physical education and coach football in 2005.  A year later I accepted a coaching position at 6A Prattville High School in Prattville, AL, where I coached several scholarship players. In 2010 I transferred to Autaugaville, AL to become the AD/head football coach, and I was also a graduation coach.

I received coach of the year for Autauga County in 2010.  

I was hired back at Prattville High School in 2011 to be an assistant head football coach.  I was as a part of five 6A State Championship appearance teams, and won four title games in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2011. I also appeared in the first 7A State Championship game in 2014.  I was the Strength and Conditioning Coordinator, Offensive Coordinator, and Assistant AD at Prattville High School from 2012 to 2016.

I’m currently an Offensive Analyst/Recruiting Coordinator for the University of Michigan football team.

FUNDRAISING IDEAS & OPPORTUNITIES

FUNDRAISING IDEAS & OPPORTUNITIES

1.Youth Football Camps 

2. Cooperate Sponsorship

3. Lift-A-Thon

4. Powder Puff  Football

5. Alumni Games

6. Cookouts

7. Doughnut sales

8. 7 0n 7 Tournaments 

9. Auto/Car Washes

10. Faculty/Staff Competitions (Flag Football, Softball, Basketball, etc…)

11. Season Tickets & Spirit Packages

12. Personal Connections 

13. Community Golf Tournament

14. Mustang Nation 5K Run & Walk

Product sales (Drinks, Coupon Books, T-Shirts, etc…)

***Fundraising money is a very important aspect of running a successful program and it will not be taken lightly.  Total Community Involvement is Key.

Coaching Family

Coaches Get Away:  

This event will be for coaches only and it will be a time for all of us to get on the same page.  The entire program will be discussed and all assignments will be thoroughly covered. The site may vary depending on the interest level and economic reasons.  This is a mandatory event for all staff members.

Family Day:             

This activity is for coaches and their families.  During this event we will not focus on sports because it will be all fun and games.  We want it to feel like one big family reunion.  This is usually an event shortly after the coaches outing.   

Spirit Night:             

Spirit night is an event where the student body and faculty members go to a local restaurant and eat a meal to support the business.  This event can be used as a fundraiser, but is intended to be a time to give back to the people that give back to the school and its programs.  Sometimes different sports use the same restaurant, but at scheduled appearances.  This is a great time to promote the positive behavior of the entire student body.

Family Night:          

Family Night is very similar to Spirit Night, but it is an event that is for coaches and families only.  Usually held on every Wednesday night during the season at a local restaurant that is a sponsor, or potential sponsor of the program. This is not a fundraising event, but a time for each family to bond.  It is not mandatory, but is strongly encouraged.  This event is normally after practice, but before the start of Wednesday night church service.  

Meet the Mustangs:    

This is an event that is held prior to the start of the season.  The week before the first game is normally a great time to have this activity.  The site can vary, but all members of the program need to be in attendance.  Make sure that all student athletes and coaches are recognized and make them feel important because they truly are.  Involve the parents, the band, the cheerleaders, administration and show the community what team they will be supporting this season.

4th Quarter:                 

The 4th Quarter Program is designed to challenge the athletes’ mental, as well as physical conditioning.  In this event they will be required to trust their teammates as they work in a team setting as “One Heartbeat”.  The program is started in the weight room, but does not end there.  This program requires total commitment from the players, as well as from the coaches.

Mentorship:             

The mentorship program is designed for current athletes and potential athletes from the feeder schools.  The big brother will be responsible for mentoring the younger student and to just be there for them when needed.  The coaches will be  responsible for giving great advice to be passed along. Once the relationship is established, the Big Dolphins will help mold the younger dolphins to do the same thing.  

Academic Responsibilites

ACADEMICS

We want to instill academic excellence in all of our student-athletes by encouraging them to apply the same work ethic, commitment, and dedication in the classroom as expected on the field.  To assure academic achievement, we will implement various programs to insure our student-athlete’s success in the classroom.

PROGRAMS

Study Hall

One, or more nights a week, players with deficiencies, or players whose average in a class is below a C will be required to attend a mandatory study hall for at least one hour.

Tutoring

For those student athletes needing additional help, we will provide tutoring during study hall.  Peer tutoring is also used during this time. (BETA Club, retired teachers etc.)

Progress Reports

Each position coach will be required to obtain a full progress report from each of their players bi-weekly.

Classroom Attendance Reports

Teachers will be requested to inform the coaching staff of any classroom misbehavior and tardiness.  In addition, each student athlete will be subject to random classroom checks.

Standardized Testing

Every athlete that desires to be recruited to play collegiate sports will be required to make a qualifying score on the ACT, or the SAT prior to signing an athletic scholarship.  Athletes are encouraged to take the appropriate standardized test and have the scores sent to the NCAA Clearinghouse. Test taking strategies will be implemented through weekly installments and studying material will be available for students-athletes when needed.