Ken Hart (2018) - Richmond Athletics Hall of Fame - University of Richmond Athletics

Ken Hart

Induction:
2018

For 34 years, Ken Hart oversaw the Spiders' athletic equipment room, primarily for football, but for as many as 19 varsity sports. While he may not have been the face of the program, he was a familiar face who was the conduit that connected generations of Richmond student-athletes, coaches, staff and alumni.

In addition to the traditional duties of purchasing, distributing, repairing and inventorying athletic equipment, Ken's Robins Center door was always open as he embraced the role of "psychologist, teacher, good guy, bad guy, father and friend."

A longtime advocate for equipment advancement and safety of his student-athletes, Hart was honored as the Athletic Equipment Managers Association Manager of the Year in 1993. He served five years as President of the organization.

Hart traveled extensively with football, transporting essential team equipment and personnel from as far away as London, England, Missoula, Montana and Fargo, North Dakota to the short but challenging trip downtown to the Spiders' former off-campus home at University of Richmond Stadium. He helped guide the football transition to the new, on-campus Robins Stadium in 2010. During his tenure, Spider Football made 10 post season appearances, highlighted by a national championship in 2008.

Following his official retirement in 2015, Hart, a 1975 Bowling Green grad, remained involved in Richmond Athletics as a volunteer assistant coach with men's golf. The team won its first-ever Atlantic 10 Championship in 2017.