Warrior Athletics Hall of Fame
During his 12 years as Director of Athletics at Stanislaus State from December 1998 to November 2011, Milt Richards guided the Warriors through one of the most successful and transformational periods in program history. Under his leadership, 26 teams advanced to postseason play, two programs earned No. 1 national rankings, and more than 400 student-athletes received All-America and All-Conference honors. Richards oversaw a dramatic expansion of the department’s resources and facilities, generating more than $6.5 million in private funding and passing three student-fee referendums that increased the athletics budget from $700,000 to more than $2.2 million. Those efforts helped fund the $16 million Student Recreation Complex, which became home to numerous NCAA and CCAA championships — including the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field Championships.
Richards, who emphasized academic success and community engagement, ensured Warrior student-athletes maintained a 3.0 GPA and graduated at rates above the university average. After leaving Stanislaus State, he served as Director of Athletics at Simon Fraser University in British Columbia, helping lead Canada’s only NCAA member institution to full Division II membership.
