Richter Named Crazylegs Classic Grand Marshal
April 15, 2005 | General News
Former University of Wisconsin Director of Athletics Pat Richter will be the grand marshal of the 2005 Crazylegs Classic, race organizers announced today. The 24th annual event will be held on Saturday, April 30 in downtown Madison.
"It is a pleasure for the Crazylegs Classic to honor Pat Richter as this year's grand marshal,' said Tom Grantham, the chair of the event. 'As a hometown hero, Pat has excelled at every level in his storied career. Most recently under Pat's leadership, UW athletic programs have emerged to levels of national recognition and unprecedented success. This is our way of paying tribute to Pat and his outstanding accomplishments."
Richter served as the UW's Director of Athletics for 15 years from 1989-2003. During his tenure, the Badgers won three national championships and 50 Big Ten Conference titles. Wisconsin also placed in the top 25 of the Directors ' Cup (national all-sport ranking) in eight of 10 years.
Off the field of play, Richter's department was equally successful. Under his direction, the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics eliminated its inherited deficit and built an operating reserve, became compliant with the Office for Civil Rights, hosted NCAA Championship events in men's hockey, women's golf and women's volleyball, and built numerous first-class facilities.
Richter was a two-time All-American in football for the Badgers and also lettered in baseball and basketball. As a senior, Richter won the prestigious 1963 Big Ten Medal of Honor, which is given to the outstanding student-athlete on each league campus, and earned CoSIDA Academic All-America honors. He was a first-round draft pick of the Washington Redskins and played professionally from 1963-71.
The Crazylegs Classic, which features an eight-kilometer run and two-mile walk, was named the No. 1 short-distance race in America by USA Track & Field. Additionally, it has been rated one of the nation's 'Top 100 Events ' by Runners World magazine and is one of only 20 races in the U.S. given 'Great Races, Great Places' recognition by the Road Runners Club of America.
The event has raised more than $2.5 million for UW Athletics. For more information, or to register, call (608) 261-LEGS or go online at Crazylegs Classic or uwbadgers.com .
