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FAYETTEVILLE – University of Arkansas basketball strength and conditioning coach Dave Richardson has obtained Registered Strength and Conditioning Coach Emeritus (RSCC*E) designation by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).

The NSCA’s Registered Strength and Conditioning Coach (RSCC) is the NSCA’s highest designation and signifies that a certified coach has demonstrated experience and knowledge in their field. RSCC coaches apply foundational knowledge to assess, motivate, educate, and train athletes for the primary goal of improving sport performance. “Coach Rich” is just one of 158 coaches who has obtained the RSCC*E, awarded to those meeting the criteria for at least 20 years.

“The RSCC Program represents the highest standards of experience and education for strength and conditioning coaches in the industry,” NSCA’s Coaching Program Manager Eric McMahon said. “We are proud to recognize Coach Richardson with our highest coaching designation for his continued service and dedication to the strength and conditioning profession.”

Richardson has over his 29 years of experience as a college strength coach and he is in his third year at the University of Arkansas.

“I have been very fortunate to have a career doing what I love most,” Richardson said. “My passion has always been helping athletes achieve their dreams. Here at the University of Arkansas, we have everything in place to help them do just that.”

With the Razorbacks, Richardson originally came on board as the men’s strength and conditioning coach and added the women’s program to his duties in 2019-20. In his short time with the Razorbacks, he has helped produce a pair of All-Americans – NBA draft pick Daniel Gafford and 2020 SEC Player of the Year Mason Jones – while the women’s program ended the season among the nation’s top 25 for the first time since 2002-03. Also in 2019-20, Richardson worked with two of the nation’s top shooters in the country as Isaiah Joe (men) and Amber Ramirez (women) each finished among the NCAA top 5 in 3-pointers made.

Prior to Arkansas, Richardson was the strength and conditioning coach at Ohio State for 12 years with the Buckeye’s men’s basketball program while serving as the men’s lacrosse strength coach one season. During his time with Ohio State basketball, the Buckeyes made 11 postseason appearances, including five Sweet 16 berths, two Final Four’s, a national runner-up finish in 2007 and an NIT Championship in 2008. Richardson helped Evan Turner be the 2010 National Player of the Year (Naismith Award, Associated Press, Fox, John Wooden Award, Oscar Robinson Award, US Basketball Writers Association, National Association of Basketball Coaches and Sporting News) and Greg Oden be the top pick in the 2007 NBA Draft. A total of 21 of his players went on to play in the professionally with nine players being drafted by the NBA highlighted by Oden, Turner (2nd overall pick in 2010), D’Angelo Russell (2nd overall pick in 2015) and Mike Conley Jr. (4th overall pick in 2007).

Other stops for Richardson include the University of Miami (Fla.) (2001-2005), Louisiana-Monroe (1995-2001) and Nicholls State (1990-1995).

He has a strong background in powerlifting. In 1984 he won the Alaska powerlifting state championship and was crowned the Louisiana state powerlifting champion in 1986 and 1987. In 1985 and 1986 he was the ArkLaMiss champion and was listed among the Powerlifting USA Top 100. In addition, Richardson served five years in the Army and was a member of the All-Army powerlifting team.