HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
RICHARD ARMSTRONG, OHSAA COMMISSIONER
2002 RECIPIENT - Honorary Life
Member
Commissioner
Armstrong is unique in the fact that as a former football coach and member of
the Ohio High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame; he is now
entering the Ohio High School Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. That
is a compliment to his career due to his contributions, not only to high school
athletics in general but to Ohio High School Basketball in particular. Under his
leadership many improvements were made in the administration of regulations and
promotion of Ohio basketball.
Dick participated in football, basketball, and baseball at
Loudonville High School from where he graduated in 1945. At Baldwin Wallace he
participated in football and basketball, graduating with a B.A. degree in 1950.
In 1958 he earned his M.A. degree from the University of Akron.
Commissioner Armstrong paid his dues and gained experience as
a coach and administrator before moving to the Ohio High School Athletic
Association offices in 1973. He started as a teacher at Creston High School in
1950. From Creston he was then employed at Centerburg High School as a teacher
and head football coach from 1951-53. He held the same responsibilities at
Crestline High School from 1953-55. At Canton McKinley High School he was boys
advisor and Assistant Football Coach. At North Canton Hoover from 1959-73 he
served as Assistant Football Coach, Director of Guidance, Athletic Director and
Principal (1967-73). From Assistant Commissioner, 1973-80, he was appointed
Commissioner of the OHSAA in 1980 where he served in that position until
retirement in 1990.
Dick’s aim as Commissioner of The Ohio High School Athletic
Association was; to conduct a first class program for the membership schools in
all programs; to interpret the By-Laws of the constitution as was written; to
use common sense and good judgment in all of his decisions. To Dick, his job in
working for the Association was a labor of love. During his tenure basketball
changed from 3 divisions to 4. That occurred in 1988. The decisions he made were
always for the betterment of the game and those who played.
Dick has received many honors during his career aside from
the OHSFCA Hall of Fame previously mentioned. Among them are: Baldwin Wallace
Hall of Fame, Ashland County Sports Hall of Fame, North Canton Hoover’s Hall of
Distinction and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Dick is married to Pat and they have 2 sons, James and
Murray, a daughter and son-in-law Susan and Jeff Border with their daughter,
Elizabeth Lloyd.
Return to the Ohio High School Basketball Coaches Association Home Page
©2003 Ohio High School Basketball Coaches Association