Women's Track & Field

Kirk Richards is the head coach for both Siena Heights track and field programs and the SHU cross country teams. Richards, who will enter his 15th year on campus, takes over the men's programs from longtime coach Tim Bauer in 2023-24.

While Richards will be in his first year as head coach of SHU's men's cross country and track and field teams, he will also enter his 13th season as head coach for SHU women's cross country and track and field. Richards has coached 129 All-Americans, 94 individual conference champs and 16 national champs. The SHU women won WHAC Outdoor Track and Field championships in 2016 and 2017 under Richards.

"It has been a dream come true to be coaching here at Siena Heights, Richards said. "I consider my time here the best years of my life. I would like to thank athletic director Sue Syljebeck for providing me with the opportunity to become the head coach of the men's and women's track and field and cross country programs. With Coach Tim Bauer retiring from after 43 years here at Siena, I have big shoes to fill. With a history of track and field and cross country success throughout his tenure, I hope to add to Coach Bauer's rich tradition here at Siena Heights University."

Before joining SHU, Richards coached in the Michigan high school ranks for 18 years. He helped develop 14 regional championship teams in cross country and track and field during that time. He has also earned 42 conference championships and many individual state champions in the pole vault, hurdles, distance, long jump, and sprint relays.

Richards earned his associate's Degree in Liberal Arts from Mott Community College and his B. S. in English from Oakland University.

First and foremost, Coach Richards is a father. He has four children and three grandchildren. Charlie (35), former High School Teacher and Coach, was a 2x All-American runner for SVSU and is a High School Principal. Charlie's twin brother Ben (35), also a standout Miler on the SVSU Track and Field team, has a career in Computer Programing and Software sales. Joe (29), a former Concert Master Violinist at Adrian College, now teaches High School Orchestra for Clarkston School District. Daughter Andrea graduated from Siena Heights University and was a four-time First Team All-Conference athlete on SHU's Ladies Golf Team. Andrea is now a full-time PGA Teaching Professional in South Lyon. Andrea also won the prestigious Thomas Emmet Student-Athlete of the year award at Siena. Coach Richards is also the proud grandparent of Evelyn, Katherine and Jackson.