Nomination Year: 2022

Nominated By: Jimmy White

Nomination Category: Athletes and Coaches

Sport: Football

Years Participated: 1984-1987

Career Summary: 

The late Johnny Rich was a 1988 graduate of Celina High School, where he was a familiar face on the gridiron during his four-year career, catching passes from his tight end position and sacking quarterbacks while lined up at defensive end.  He used his large and athletic frame to block for some of the most legendary local running backs, made his mark as one of most prolific pass rushers in Bulldog history, and was recognized for his prowess with multiple accolades.   

Playing his entire career for head coach Russell Richardson, Rich developed his freshman year during the fall of 1984 when the Dawgs went 4-7, while waiting his turn to perform on the big stage.  Rich wouldn’t have to wait long.  The following year in 1985, the sophomore joined a legendary cast of Bulldogs and proceeded to give Bulldog Country its most memorable season to date.  

Positioned at tight end for a run-heavy offense averaging less than 10 pass attempts per game, Rich was essentially an additional offensive lineman and helped pave the way for Clay County Sports Hall of Fame members Jimmy “Crank” Hull and Craig Ogletree—who combined for over 2,400 yards rushing and 39 touchdowns in 1985.  Defensively, Rich recorded nine sacks that season, three of which came in a single game against nemesis Gordonsville.  The Dawgs went on to advance to the TSSAA State Semifinals, before being eliminated and finishing with an 11-3 record.  Rich was named All Mid-State Honorable Mention for his outstanding efforts. 

1986 saw Rich continue to play tight end in a run-based offense producing over 2,000 yards collectively on the ground.  However, he finished the season as the Dawgs’ second-leading receiver in passes caught and touchdowns.  Defensively he again led the team with six sacks and was among the leaders in total tackles, earning All-District 5-A honors.  Rich and his teammates won Celina’s fourth-consecutive district championship and advanced to the playoffs, before finishing the year with a strong 8-3 record. 

Unfortunately, Rich’s football career was shortened his senior year in 1987 due to injury.  He saw very little action after the first game of the season, but made an impact with a 62-yard touchdown reception in the opener against Baxter.  After holding the record for many years, Rich’s 17 career sacks still places him among the all-time leaders of Bulldog pass rushers.  He also continued to support his team throughout his injury and then carried that support of the Bulldogs on after graduation and throughout the rest of his life.    

Nominator Comment:

“Johnny Rich was not only a valuable player during his high school years, but has been equally valuable to Clay County’s athletic teams since his graduation.  It only took one phone call to get him involved in any promotion, or to help with any of the teams.  If it meant he and his crew had to take a day off from work to assist, that was no problem.  He was always interested in the teams’ successes and that of the individuals.  He was a great asset to our community and local sports.”