EUGENE, Ore. – Bushnell athletics on Tuesday announced the resignation of Bushnell Baseball Head Coach Tommy Richards, who has accepted a position at his Alma Mater.
 
Richards, who helped launch the Bushnell baseball program in 2022 and in just three short years led the team to their first Cascade Conference and NAIA post-season appearances, along with a CCC Tournament Championship, will depart to become an assistant coach at Washington State University, where he played from 2009-2012.       
 
"Our time in Eugene has been a dream," said Richards. "The people in this community have been so great to my family and me and we couldn't be more thankful. Because of my time at Bushnell and the people I have been around, I feel equipped to take this next step at a place so close to my heart. The torch has been lit and I am excited to watch it shine brighter than ever."
 
Richards made an indelible impact with the Beacons and quickly gained a reputation as a fearless leader and a well-respected coach and recruiter. He built a strong team culture, centered on the Beacon Tri-Athlete model, focusing on building men of passion, unity, thankfulness, humility and service.
 
These pillars of the program led the Bushnell Baseball team to be selected as the Cascade Collegiate Conference Team of Character in back-to-back years and helped Richards to be recognized as the CCC Coach of Character in 2024.
 
"Tommy has been the right leader for us at the right time," said Athletic Director Corey Anderson. "What he has accomplished in three years as our Head Baseball Coach is nothing short of amazing.  Tommy is a leader of men. I say this, speaking on both sides of the foul line. With a roster this large on a campus of our size, our baseball team is looked at in a positive light from both the student body and faculty/staff. Tommy was recently named the CCC Coach of Character for our Conference, and his team reflects that level of sportsmanship and grit while competing and representing Bushnell University.  With Tommy's departure, the program is in a great place to move forward with first class facilities, a full roster and 25 seniors ready to continue to lead and build upon the Bushnell Baseball foundation."
 
A decision on the future leadership of the program will be announced in the coming days.