Nolan Richardson
Inducted in 2008
His youth was highlighted by starring exploits in all major sports
He was a perennial All Star on every team in every sport he played
Powerful left handed hitter
His name was known city wide by the time he reached Bowie High School
Played for Bowie High School from 1955 to 1959 under El Paso Baseball Hall of Famer Coach Nemo Herrera
Named Freshman Most Valuable Player
As a sophomore, he hit .385 and was named All District
As a junior, he hit .450 and was named All District
His senior year, he hit .446 and again earned All District honors
Earned All City and All District honors in basketball while at Bowie
Following graduation he attended Eastern Arizona College
Also played softball with Union Furniture playing against older competition and being honored with multiple “All Star” selections
Played basketball under Basketball Hall of Famer Don Haskins at Texas Western College
Given permission by Coach Haskins to play baseball on Texas Western’s first ever baseball team
Instrumental in helping Texas Western have a winning season in their first season
Hit .421 with 10 home runs to lead the Miners
Finished 5th in the Nation in runs batted in
As a junior at Texas Western, the El Paso Sun Kings held a tryout camp
He was offered a contract at the conclusion of his tryout but his Grandmother refused to let him sign
The following year the Houston Colt 45’s professional team offered him a baseball contract but his Grandmother again refused to let him sign
Though many believe he would have a productive career in professional baseball, he pursued a basketball future
Following the end of his basketball playing days, he became a High School and College Basketball Coach
Had a highly successful career as a high school coach at Bowie High School
Earned a Junior College Head Basketball position
Coached his team to a National Junior College Basketball Championship
Earned the Head Basketball Coach position at the University of Tulsa
Led Hurricanes to National Invitational Tournament Championship
Earned Head Basketball Coach position at the University of Arkansas
Coached his team to a NCAA National Basketball Championship at Arkansas
Inducted in El Paso Athletic Hall of Fame
Still considered one of the greatest athletes to ever play in El Paso