Richard Tiernan

Distinguished Alumni Richard J. Tiernan, Class of 1928

Richard Joseph Tiernan was born January 3, 1912 in Richmond.  He attended St. Andrews Catholic School in Richmond until tenth grade.  He attended Morton and enjoyed playing basketball receiving the Billy Sunday Mental Attitude Award in Athletics.  He lettered in football, basketball and baseball.  He left Richmond to attended Indiana University where he graduated in 1933.

While in college, he lettered in football and wrestled for the intermural team.  While in college he traveled to Brazil, South America to train Physical Education teachers.  He graduated from IU with a degree in Physical Education.

He returned to Richmond in 1933 and began his teaching and coaching career at Morton and Richmond High School.  While at Richmond, he helped institute swimming, wrestling, and men’s gymnastics.

In 1940 he married Elizabeth Riggs and later became the father of four children: Jane, Elaine Patrick and Thomas.

In 1942, he enlisted in the Navy during WWII and served in the South Pacific.  He returned to Richmond in 1946 and served as coach, teacher, driver’s education instructor and club mentor.

He was an IHSAA state wrestling official for ten years, an IHSAA football referee for thirty years, an IHSAA basketball referee for twenty-five years, and an IHSAA official for track and cross country for twenty-five years.  He was a collegeant track official for over forty years.

He served as a city recreation director for Richmond, a adjunct professor for Earlham, IU and IU East, and a Red Cross First Aid Instructor.

Richard Tiernan was the namesake for the new sports complex at Richmond in 1984.  He was inducted into the Indiana Football Hall of Fame in 1980 and the Indiana Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1989.  He was honored as a Sagamore of the Wabash by Governor Frank O’Bannon in 1997.  He served on numerous local committees and championed physical wellness and conservation of natural resources.

He died in his childhood home in June 28, 2002 at age 90.  He was chosen as Distinguished Alumni in 2008.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  380 Hub Etchison Parkway, Richmond, IN 47374

 (765) 973-3338