Heidelberg Athletics Hall of Fame
Inheriting a Heidelberg football program that had gone just 9-18 in the past three seasons, Dick West had a lot of work to do to turn things around. Coming to the 'Berg after being an assistant coach at Ohio Northern, West finished his time at Heidelberg with 64 wins, ranking 2nd all-time behind the legendary coach Paul Hoernemann.
The defenses that West coached were consistently ranking in the top half of the OAC and his offenses set several school and OAC records, many of which still stand today. At one point, West had players that held both the OAC total career rushing and passing records.
West's work at Heidelberg was recognized by the Ohio Athletic Conference on two occasions, being named OAC coach of the year in 1988 and 1993.
After going 3-7 in his first season, West righted the ship and turned in a 6-4 season in 1988.
In 1992, West's team traveled to Frankfurt, Germany, and fought to a 7-7 tie against OAC foe Otterbein, in what was the first collegiate football game played on European soil.
His best season came in 1993 when the team, led by captains Greg Lehrer and Pat Super, finished 8-2.
During his time at Heidelberg, West coached 27 All-OAC players, five OAC special award winners and 15 All-American honorees.
For two seasons, West was also the head coach for the Heidelberg wrestling program. His squads picked up 19 dual match wins and four OAC individual titles.
He also coached the Heidelberg golf team, leading them to their only OAC championship in school history.
West is currently in his last year of teaching at Lima Shawnee High School. He had served as the head coach of the Indians football team from 1998-2012. While at Lima Shawnee, West won the Ohio High School Coach of the Year award along with conference and district honors.
Upon retirement, Dick and his wife Deb plan to move to Yuma, Arizona, where son Sam and daughter Mandy reside.
(This biography appeared in the 2014 Hall of Fame program.)
