Richards Named to NWATA Hall of Fame
SPOKANE, Wash. - Jim Richards, former Northwest University athletic trainer, was named to the Northwest Athletic Trainers Association Hall of Fame over the weekend in Spokane at the annual NWATA convention. This is an honor and recognition of a lifetime of Richards' quality work and dedication regarding the well-being of student-athletes. The Northwest Athletic Trainers Association represents the district 10 section of the National Athletic Trainers Organization and includes Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and Alaska. Jim the head athletic trainer at Northwest U. for ten years and still comes in from time to time to help out Larry Brown who replaced Jim as the Eagles’ Athletic Trainer the spring of 2009.
An educator for over 50 years, Jim’s role as Certified Athletic Trainer began in 1976 at Sammamish High School. In this capacity he served on the National Secondary School Athletic Trainers Committee. He was awarded the "Golden Acorn" by the Sammamish PTSA in 1984 for outstanding service to students.
Jim has been a tournament Map Chairman and Athletic Trainer at the Washington State Mat Classic (state wrestling tournament) for 18 years. He was elected to the Washington State Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame in 1992.
As Northwest's Athletic Trainer he has developed first class athletic training service for Eagle athletes. He has also taught courses to prospective coaches and physical education teachers. In 2006 Jim was selected as NAIA National Athletic Trainer of the year.