Richard graduated from South Mountain H.S. He won two District Championships and placed 2nd at the State Tournament. He attended Phoenix College and in 1969 won the AAU Greco Roman Tournament. Richard was a team member of the Phoenix college NJCAA 1969 National Championship team. He placed 5th at the tournament. After a tour with the air force, he started officiating State AAU Tournaments for kids, high school, and adult programs. He continued officiating Junior College dual meets and State NJCAA Tournaments. Richard was selected as the State Officials Coordinator for Junior Colleges. After graduating from ASU, Richard officiated high school for 22 years. He designed and developed the Arizona Wrestling Official Association. He served one year as President. He also started and assisted in directing a Mentoring and Education Officiating Program for young Officials. He was awarded the NFIOA Outstanding State Official in 1985 and 2000. He was the head state wrestling official for 15 years. Richard traveled extensively for 25 years officiating at Division 1 NCAA dual meets and tournaments. He was a member of the National College Referee Association.