1998 Hall of Fame Inductee

DONALD E. SMOKEY RICHARDSON (Awarded Posthumously)
Basketball - 1957, 1958, 1959
Football - 1957, 1958

Smokey was a talented athlete and one of the toughest to ever put on the pads or don a basketball uniform. His basketball prowess for three years resulted in his being selected as the Outstanding Senior Athlete in 1959.

Don enrolled at Chico State College in the spring semester of 1956 at the age of 24, after completing two years in the army (Korean Conflict). He completed his B.A. in three and half years. Don had never played football prior to college. In the fall semester of 1957, he thought he'd give it a try.

Smokey was a popular campus figure. His academic performance earned him a membership in the National Honor Society. He completed his bachelor's degree at Chico in 1959 and went on to complete a master's degree and an administrative credential.

Teaching, coaching, and administration became his niche in education. From 1960-1962 he taught at Hamilton Union High School, coached all boys' sports, and was responsible for the lights on the football field. From 1962 to 1968 he served as physical education coordinator and administrative dean in the Lompoc Unified School District.

He completed his educational career at Antioch Senior High School. He began as vice-principal (1968-1969), became the principal in 1970 and served in that position until his untimely death in November 1978.