The Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) presented Harvey Richards with the Mal Mayse Distinguished Service Award at the 2024 MSHSAA Softball Championships on Nov. 1, 2024. This honor recognizes his outstanding contributions to high school sports and activities across Missouri.
Richards, born and raised in Michigan, developed a passion for sports and community service early in life, which shaped his career. After completing his education, he moved to Missouri, where he began his career as a teacher and coach, eventually serving as principal and later superintendent at Steelville High School.
His leadership skills and passion for athletics led him to MSHSAA, where he made a lasting impact from 2009 to 2016 as associate executive director.
During his time with MSHSAA, Richards oversaw a variety of activities, including football, track, cross country, speech and debate, as well as football and basketball officiating. He was also a strong advocate for athlete safety, leading concussion awareness presentations across Missouri to educate schools, coaches and students about head injury risks.
Richards’ leadership in this area reflected his deep commitment to the well-being of student-athletes, a core value that earned him respect statewide.
After his time at MSHSAA, Richards continued his work in athletics through a position with TRXC Timing, a company that specializes in cross country and track event management. In this role, he remained active in the sports community, helping to organize numerous youth sporting events and encouraging participation in extracurricular activities.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Richards is known for his hospitality and love of cooking, hunting and golf. He often volunteers to cook for friends and family at special events and is a regular presence at his grandchildren’s sporting activities, offering unwavering support and encouragement.
In 2021, Richards faced a major health challenge when he suffered a stroke, which left him with limited speech and mobility in his right arm. Despite this, he remains a source of inspiration, continuing to attend family events and sporting activities, and providing support to his wife, Mary Jo, and their family.
Richards’ commitment to high school sports and his focus on athlete safety make him a deserving recipient of the Mal Mayse Distinguished Service Award. MSHSAA is proud to recognize his remarkable career and the lasting impact he has made on student-athletes across Missouri.
Richards resides in Sullivan, Missouri, with his wife, Mary Jo. They are closely connected to their daughter, Megen, and son-in-law, Nathan Booker, and enjoy time with their grandchildren, McKynlee, Trevor and Khori.