Rome Reporter

Dr. Ryan Richards has been named the athletic director at Dalton High School for the 2023-24 school year. The board approved his appointment at its regular meeting last night. He currently serves as the head basketball coach and social studies teacher at Northwest High School. 

Dr. Richards will replace Jeff McKinney, who is taking another position within the school district. 

Dr. Richards has been a teacher and coach for 8 years in several middle schools before moving to Northwest High School in 2003. During his time at Northwest, his team was region champions in 2013 and 2017, and region runners-up in 2018, 2020, and 2022. He and his team made 10 appearances at the state playoffs during his tenure. 

Dr. Richards holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in Secondary Education/Social Studies; a master's degree in education from Tusculum College; and a doctorate in professional practices/leadership from Trevecca Nazarene University. 

Stephanie Hungerpiller, principal at Dalton High School, said the school is looking forward to having Richards join the administrative team. “I am excited to have Dr. Richards join our Catamount family. He has been a coach, teacher, and mentor to many young people in our community. His enthusiasm for athletics as well as his commitment to developing character and grit in our student-athletes makes him the perfect choice to lead Catamount athletics.”

Hungerpiller added that McKinney’s contributions to Dalton High have been countless. “He has been a wonderful, teacher, coach, athletic director, and friend to all of us. He will be missed, and we wish him the best in his future endeavors.”

Original source can be found here