1972
Richie was one of the best of three sport athletes in AB history. His speed and quickness highlighted his athleticism. Those attributes made him a feared commodity among opposing coaches on the gridiron, hardwood and diamonds. As the quarterback of the Hall of Fame backfield of the 1970 Colonial Eleven, Richie orchestrated the symphonic brutality of the Williams, Ramos, Gallant, Delaney "Fearsome Foursome." The apocalypse would approach as Richie rounded the corner on his patented quarterback sweep.
His speed, guts and durability were a trademark of his AB football career. As well as he ran the offense, his real forte was his exquisite hard nosed play at free-safety. His senior season, this tri-captain was a D.C.L. All-Star at safety and accounted for 18 touchdowns both running and passing in his two seasons at the helm. His finest hours were runs of 74 and 78 yards against Lincoln Sudbury followed by the incredulous game saving shoestring tackle to preserve the 16-14 AB victory. From football to basketball, Rich made the transition as an intense backcourt defensive demon on the State Championship Team of 1971. This consummate team player brought his fearless attitude and dogged determination to the hardwood of Blanchard "Win City" Gym. Suffice it to say, you did not want Mr. Delaney covering you in the backcourt or blowing by you on an uncontested fast break. On the diamond, Richie was a throwback to the era of hit, run and bunt. He was an all-out pain in the neck as lead-off batter for 2-consecutive tournament bound teams and the 1972 Dual County League Baseball League Champion, playing multiple positions, demonstrating his athletic versatility. Rich matriculated to Bowdoin College where he played 4 years of varsity football as cornerback and safety. He led the team in interceptions his junior season and set a school record by blocking 3 punts against archrival Williams College. Richie also continued his baseball career as a 3-year starter at shortstop and center field. Richie's most memorable moments at AB are the 1970 upset win over Wayland in football and being a member of the undefeated 1971 State Champion Basketball Team in The Boston Garden. Rich lives in Boxboro with his wife Cheryl and their four children Megan, Kelly, Erin and Ryan. Rich is a National Bank Examiner for the Office of Comptroller of the Currency. Richie remains active in community service as a member of the Acton Lions Club, past president of the AB Youth Softball League and as a youth basketball coach.
