Salem University Athletics

Richard Sturm came to Salem College in 1962 to play for Coach Ted Underwood. While at Salem, he lettered four years and stated as a first-team center for three years. He earned honorable mention All-Conference West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference as a center in his senior year. He also was elected by his teammates as one of two Captains in his senior year. Sturm is considered by many members of the Salem College Football Alumni Association to be the second best center in Salem’s history – ranking only behind Harry Hartman.

Sturm has coached high school football and track and has been a classroom teacher for 41 years. As head football coach he has led his teams to Little Kanawha Conference tittles in 1998, 2002, 2003, and 2004, he was selected by the West Virginia School Activities Committee to represent state of West Virginia at the NFL Hall of Fame game and inductions.

In 2005, Sturm was recognized for Essence of Quality Coaching, Sportsmanship, Brining out Greatness in Players, as outlined on his plaque, for having received the Ray Watson Award. This Award is presented each year by the West Virginia Coaches’ Association to honor one of their own legends is coaching.

In 1991-1992, he was named High School Teacher of the Year in Jackson County, West Virginia. In 2001-2002, he was selected by the Ohio Balley Grange as Educator of the Year for community service.

Sturm is a Deacon and teaches Sunday school in church. He has been married to Donna for over 50 years; they have three children, and six grandchildren.