Leo Richardson facts for kids
| Biographical details | |
|---|---|
| Born | December 19, 1931 Gresham, South Carolina, U.S. |
| Died | July 23, 2023 (aged 91) South Carolina, U.S. |
| Playing career | |
| Football | |
| c. 1953 | Morris |
| Basketball | |
| c. 1953 | Morris |
| Position(s) | Guard |
| Coaching career (HC unless noted) | |
| Football | |
| 1961–1963 | Morris |
| 1964–1968 | Savannah State |
| Basketball | |
| 1964–1971 | Savannah State |
| 1973–1978 | Buffalo |
| Accomplishments and honors | |
| Awards | |
| SIAC Basketball Coach of the Year (1970) Savannah State University Sports Hall of Fame inductee (2010) |
|
Leo Richardson (born December 19, 1931 – died July 23, 2023) was an important American coach. He coached both basketball and football teams. Richardson was the head basketball coach at Savannah State University from 1964 to 1971. Later, he coached basketball at the University at Buffalo from 1973 to 1978.
He achieved a total basketball coaching record of 146 wins and 176 losses. In 1970, Richardson led the Savannah State basketball team to win a conference tournament title. For this achievement, he was named the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Coach of the Year. He made history as the University at Buffalo's first African American head basketball coach. Richardson also coached football at Savannah State from 1964 to 1968. In 2010, he was honored by being added to the Savannah State University Sports Hall of Fame.
Early Life and Education
Leo Richardson was born in Gresham, South Carolina. He grew up and went to elementary and high school in Loris, South Carolina. He was a talented athlete and played both football and basketball. He played these sports at Morris College in Sumter, South Carolina. He graduated from Morris College in 1954.
After college, Richardson started his coaching career. He coached football and basketball at A. L. Corbett High School. This school was located in Wagener, South Carolina. He continued his education and earned a master's degree in 1961. He received this degree from the Tuskegee Institute, which is now known as Tuskegee University. Leo Richardson passed away in South Carolina on July 23, 2023, at the age of 91.
Coaching Career Highlights
Leo Richardson had a long and successful career as a coach. He led teams in both football and basketball.
Football Coaching
Richardson was the head football coach for the Savannah State Tigers. He coached them from 1964 to 1968. During his time there, his team had a record of 13 wins, 25 losses, and 2 ties.
Basketball Coaching
Richardson also coached the Savannah State Tigers basketball team. He was their head coach from 1964 to 1971. His record with Savannah State was 112 wins and 84 losses. A major highlight was winning the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference tournament in 1970.
Later, he became the head basketball coach for the Buffalo Bulls. He coached them from 1973 to 1978. At Buffalo, his team had a record of 34 wins and 92 losses. Overall, his basketball coaching record was 146 wins and 176 losses.
