In Memoriam: Athletics Hall of Fame Coach Leon Richardson
Oskaloosa–Longtime William Penn University coach, professor, athletic trainer, and mentor Leon Richardson passed away peacefully on April 15, 2025 at his home in Mesa, Ariz. He lived 98 years, 8 months, and 15 days. “Each day lived to 100%!”
Coach Richardson taught and coached at William Penn from 1966-2001. In 2005, Richardson was inducted into WPU’s Athletics Hall of Fame. His 28-year coaching career at William Penn (most years as a head coach) culminated in 319 wins (second-most wins by a basketball coach) and three Iowa Conference titles in 1975, 1981, 1983, while three of his squads (1979, 1981, 1983) advanced to the NCAA Division III National Tournament.
Richardson guided one person to All-America status, while over 30 collected all-IIAC honors. During his tenure at William Penn, he coached basketball, baseball (1968-1972), tennis (1967) and was the first women’s softball coach when the program started in the 1973-1974 season.
While at William Penn, Richardson became a certified athletic trainer. He was one of the first certified trainers in the state of Iowa and was instrumental in establishing the Iowa Athletic Training Association.
Among the hundreds, if not thousands, of lives he impacted, Richardson coached current William Penn president John Ottosson, current men’s basketball coach John Henry, and current baseball coach Mike Laird. Laird was hired by Richardson to be the baseball coach, while both he and Henry served as assistant basketball coaches for Richardson.
“Coach Richardson changed the lives of hundreds of William Penn alumni, not just those he coached,” Ottosson said. “He cared about each and every one of us, and William Penn. His caring and energy was contagious, not just while he was here, but throughout his life. We all owe him a debt of gratitude.”
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 3 at 10:30 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Oskaloosa. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Leon Richardson Honorary Endowed Scholarship at William Penn University. Donations may be made at www.wmpenn.edu/give
