Feb. 18, 2011
By Samantha Franz
Athletic Communications contributor
Most coaches seem to know where the recruiting hotbeds are and for Michigan men's soccer, one of the most talented player pools comes from Livonia Stevenson High School. A browse through the Oakland University all-time letterwinners list will turn up an impressive roster of Spartan alumni, including current goalkeeper Mitch Hildebrandt and 1989 Hall of Honor inductee Andy Richters, who was recruited by fellow Hall of Honor member, Coach John Motzer, in 1973.
"Coach Motzer did a great job of recruiting and not only sold the school on its academic merit, but the fact that Oakland had the best soccer program in the state of Michigan," said Richters. "The proximity was a bonus so my family could come to all of the home games."
That was a strong statement, considering 1973 was the first year that men's soccer would be played as a varsity sport at Oakland. But under the strong leadership of Motzer, who had an illustrious playing career before taking the helm for the Pioneers, he proved that his words to Richters were no recruiting spiel.
In fact, during Richters' tenure, the Pioneers would go on to have five winning seasons, including three campaigns of 10 or more wins. In 1974, Richters, a three-year co-captain, became Oakland's first-ever All-Region honoree and two years later, the Pioneers would earn their first NCAA tournament bid.
"John started soccer at Oakland and he had a great impact on my life," he said. "He always stressed the importance of hard work."
Of course, Richters' time at Oakland wasn't just about soccer or pursuing his degree in management. It was about the memories with his teammates and fellow student-athletes. And like all Oakland student-athletes in the Division II days, a lot of time was spent driving across the state in those infamous white vans.
"I, along with my fellow co-captain (and another Hall of Honor member) Kenny Whiteside, would typically drive the vans on road trips," he said. "My van attracted the rowdier, crazier players and it usually rocked and bounced on the way home from trips. Most of the best stories I couldn't even mention here, but Coach Motzer got really mad at us several times upon arrival back to campus."
On a more serious note, Richters also always appreciated the time that former university president Donald O'Dowd spent with the Pioneers.
"I have fond memories of President O'Dowd coming to as many soccer games as he could," he said. "Sometimes we would join him and his wife for dinner at their home. What a privilege and honor that was."
But upon his graduation, Richters' life took an unexpected turn when he was struck by a car going around 75 miles per hour as a pedestrian. It was during his rehab stint at the Nautilus Headquarters in Lake Helen, Fla. where he discovered a passion for fitness. Not letting a lengthy cast on his leg get in the way, he would ride his bicycle daily along Daytona Beach. Once his strength returned, the cast was tossed aside and Richters participated in a 160-mile bike ride across the state.
"I realized that God had spared me and given me a second chance," he said. "No matter what happens now, my life is a blessing each and every day. Doctors didn't think I could walk and I am blessed to have been able to run a marathon for most years of my life."
After rehab, Richters was given an opportunity to help coach the men's soccer team at Chapman University, direct their Human Performance Laboratory and teach physical education classes to their undergraduate students. He also helped coach the Canyon High School soccer team in Anaheim Hills, Calif., turning the once struggling program into a top contender, teaching the players skills, performance testing and proper nutrition.
"I was able to earn a masters degree in sports medicine as a graduate assistant, so soccer actually helped me pay for two educations," he said.
Richters then worked a stint at the Sports Conditioning and Rehabilitation medical clinic in Southern California before becoming the Director of Fitness at the Los Caballeros Racquet and Sports Club in Fountain Valley, Calif. Today, Richters is the Vice President of Key Accounts for STAR TRAC Fitness, a position he has held for 14 out of the 24 years he has worked for the company.
But it's not all work and no play for Richters. He spends plenty of time with his four sons: Reid (14), Markus (10) and twins Michael and Ryan (nine).
"They are the passion and love of my life," he said. "They keep me young and active and I coach them in many of the team sports they play. I have coached all four in soccer for years. Who knows, one of them could end up playing for the Golden Grizzlies some day."
Today, Richters serves on the Hall of Honor selection committee and makes it a point to return for Oakland's Homecoming events and encourages student-athletes of past and present to attend. At this year's Homecoming, Richters was able to reflect on his time as a student-athlete and what advice he would give to today's Golden Grizzlies.
"I would give them the same advice I give my own children," he said. "I teach them that most everything I learned to be successful in life I learned playing sports - hard work, discipline, teamwork, sportsmanship, setting goals, giving extra effort, having a positive attitude and focus."
With plans already to return to his alma mater next year for the 25th anniversary of the Hall of Honor, Richters reflected on how Oakland helped him lay the foundation for his future.
"I cherish the memories, yet look on with pride to see all of the progress OU has made," he said. "I am honored to be a member of the Hall of Honor selection committee that allows me to stay connected to the university. My experience with Oakland has been sensational and I am so proud to be a Golden Grizzly."
-OAKLAND-
