RICHTER ASSISTANT COACH OF YEAR

    Britton-Hecla boys basketball assistant coach BJ Richter has been recognized by the South Dakota High School Basketball Coaches Association.
    Richter was named the Region 1 Assistant Coach of the Year.  Greg Kjellsen of Groton Area earned Coach of the Year honors for Region 1.
    “It’s a nice surprise and a nice honor,” said Richter.  “I’m very appreciative.”
    Richter served as the B-H junior high coach and a volunteer assistant varsity coach for three seasons before becoming a full-time assistant two years ago.  He also is active in the Britton baseball program, coaching the older squad the past two years.
    Friendship was what drew Richter into coaching and the rewards of seeing young players get better is what keeps him in it.
    “Troy Knecht and I are lifelong friends and when the Britton-Hecla job opened up and Troy decided to get back into coaching I decided I would get into it with him,” recalled Richter.  “I knew I had a lot to learn but enjoyed the challenge.
    “What I enjoy most is the times when kids finally get something.  You may have said something 10 different times but you never know what day it will mean something to somebody and all of a sudden it matters, so you just keep on doing the job.  It’s a lot of fun when you see them overcome a challenge or hurdle and have success.  That’s magic.” 
    “BJ is very detail oriented,” said Knecht.  “He’s got an extensive playbook and he truly is a student of the game.  He likes studying the numbers and how they affect the outcome of a basketball game and that’s been an important tool for our coaching staff. 
    “He would be an asset to anyone’s sideline and is very deserving of the award,” added Knecht.  “He’s no doubt one of the most capable assistant coaches on our schedule.  When he’s on the JV sideline it’s like having another head varsity coach running the show. Our kids are really lucky to have that kind of leadership as they are developing.”
    Richter admits to learning a lot the last few years, and he has also made the distinction of what he feels is a real key to success.
    “In my experience mental preparation has become the biggest and most important thing.  It’s the hardest to do but the one thing that is controllable.  I know what it’s like to be the worst player on the roster and the best.  You’re still the same person but the difference is confidence and knowing how to learn that is so powerful.”