Megan Richards signs letter of intent to play softball at UT Permian Basin

Barry Byers Posted August 3, 2012 12:00pm Lady Gladiator Softball

Image: It’s official! Italy’s Megan Richards signs her Letter of Intent to play softball for The University of Texas at the Permian Basin in Odessa while surrounded by proud family members and friends. — It’s official! Italy’s Megan Richards signs her Letter of Intent to play softball for The University of Texas at the Permian Basin in Odessa while surrounded by proud family members and friends. (Barry Byers)

Italy — After another outstanding season as the mound leader for the Italy Lady Gladiators, recently graduated Megan “Rich” Richards, the oldest daughter of Tina and Allen Richards, signs a Letter of Intent to play softball at the University of Texas at the Permian Basin in Odessa.

Megan was surrounded by family and fans while signing her commitment to become a UTPB Falcon inside the Italy High School Cafeteria with school superintendent Barry Bassett, her Lady Gladiator assistant coach and mother Tina Richards, long time pitching coach Jerry McGinnis and her Kruzers Gold select baseball coach Ron Withee all present. In fact, the head count of family members, coaches and fans neared 50, all smiling and cheering for Megan and her family!

The accomplished pitcher pitched all four years as a member of the Lady Gladiator Varsity squad capping off her career by being named to the 2011-2012 2A All-State Softball Team by the Texas Girls Coaching Association. This past season, Megan was awarded Pitcher of the Year after this past season in 2A Region II District 15 for the Lady Gladiators and helped lead her squad to an Area Championship and before finishing as Regional Quarterfinalists.

Her grandfather, Greg Richards, held back tears while commenting, “I’m proud for Megan. She worked her to get to where she is and I know she’ll do great at job, not just on the softball field, but as a student at UTPB, as well. I’m glad she will be relatively close so we’ll get to see her. I’m just really proud of her. I hope to do all this again next year with Alyssa.”

Alyssa Richards, a junior at IHS, was Megan’s emotional support behind the plate the past few season’s, and like her big sister, was also named to the 2011-2012 2A All-State Softball Team. Both managing to equal their father who was an All-State quarterback for the Gladiators. In fact, Megan wore Allen’s #17 throughout her senior year to honor him while Tina was just a dugout away whenever the girls needed encouragement.

As Megan reached for the pen and begin to sign, only the sound of camera clicks could be heard followed by a roaring applause after the final document had been signed. Megan beamed as guests enjoyed punch and cake while she posed for pictures with everyone wanting a photo with the UTPBs newest Falcon!

Congratulations, “Rich!” Thanks for all the unforgettable moments!!

You can never have enough pictures of your child signing her Letter of Intent to play college softball. Megan Richards will by flying with the Falcons at UTPB. (Barry Byers)

Megan Richards sports her UTPB Falcon shirt during the signing with her family. Supporting Megan on her special day are: Back row – Ron Withee (Megan’s Kruzers Gold select softball coach), Jerry McGinnis (Megan’s pitching coach), father Allen Richards, grandfather Greg Richards and IHS Superintendent Barry Bassett. Middle row – grandmother Rita Garza, mother Tina Richards and grandmother Elaine Richards. Bottom row – Sister Brycelyn Richards, the newest UTPB Falcon Megan Richards and sister Alyssa Richards. (Barry Byers)

Love is…approximately 50 family members and fans show up for your signing day! Congratulations, Megan Richards on becoming a UTPB Falcon!!!! (Barry Byers)

Three of a kind: UTEP’s Megan Richards receives hugs from both of her little sisters, Brycelyn Richards and Alyssa Richards, after signing up to be a Falcon. All three sisters share a passion for the game. (Barry Byers)

Megan Richards is congratulated by her aunt, Dana Garza. (Barry Byers)

Megan Richards stands with one of her most dedicated supporters, Rita Garza, her grandmother. (Barry Byers)

One happy and proud family! Megan Richards poses for pictures with her two sisters, Alyssa and Brycelyn, and her parents, Allen and Tina, after officially becoming a UTPB Falcon. (Barry Byers)

Megan Richards gives one last interview to Italy Neotribune before leaving for The University of Texas at the Permian Basin on August 23. (Elaine Richards)