Rich Hess served as the Red Raiders assistant track and assistant football coach from 1967 to 1978. In that time, Hess worked under Coach Richmond to help the track team earn a conference championship and state title in 1972, and he aided Erickson as he led the track team in achieving another conference championship in 1976. In addition to helping Richmond with the track team, Hess also helped Richmond lead the football team to two conference championships in 1971 and 1975. As assistant coach of the football team, Hess specialized in coaching linemen, several of whom went on to play for the NCAA. Hess was an exceptional lineman coach, especially at teaching the fundamentals of blocking and tackling. He also encouraged his linemen to join the track team in the offseason as shot putters and discus throwers to continue to develop their upper body strength. He was an important contributor to the success of both the track and football teams.
