Basketball began for 63 year old Jeff Richey 53 years ago in a rural grade school where only seven boys were enrolled. He moved on to "bigger and better" things at the "big" high school at Crab Orchard, Illinois, with a grades 9-12 enrollment of 125 students. Mr. Richey broke every scoring record and earned all-state and all-conference honors. He was inducted into the Illinois High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame in 1990.
Jeff came to Union University in 1962 as a 6'4" 140-pound freshman. He added two inches and 50 pounds to that frame over the next four years, playing for coaches Jack Russell and Bill Henry.
Mr. Richey led the Bulldogs to their first ever conference title in 1964-65, under first year coach Henry. Richey earned all VSAC (Volunteer State Athletic Conference) honors three years in a row from 1963-1966; Most Valuable Player VSAC two years; and Little All-American in 1964-65 and 1965-66. Richey led the Bulldogs in rebounding, assists and in scoring for three seasons.
Richey established a new school record for field goal percentage in the 1964-65 season of 58.6% and broke Homer Spain's school record for career points scored at 1,886 in 97 games. He still holds the school's record for most free throws made in a season, shooting 88.5%, with 231 free throws.
Mr. Richey received the Fred DeLay Memorial Award for the outstanding athlete with high academic achievement and moral character. He was elected Mr. Union in 1966 and named to Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities.
After graduation Jeff was drafted by the Oakland Oaks (ABA), the only Union University player drafted by the ABA. Jeff joined the Gulf Oil Touring All-Starts in 1967-68 and toured internationally.
Jeff and his wife of 28 years, Carol, make their home in Carrier Mills, Illinois.
