DOGGERS LOOK FOR BIG BITE: Dewey baseball set to start new coaching era Monday
Chalk up credit for Dewey High’s new baseball coach to Cupid.
Prior to taking charge of the Bulldogger diamond program, Ron Richardson had spent his coaching career in the big school universe — Moore High head coach, Putnam City North head coach, Midwest City assistant, as well as serving as a head football coach or offensive coordinator.
So, how did he end up at Dewey as a grid assistant head baseball skipper.
“I met a girl,” he said. “I started spending a lot of time over here. That’s the way my life this heading and this opportunity popped up and I jumped at it. I felt like it was really a good fit. … I’m just blessed with this opportunity.”
Richardson and Dewey will roll out the season on Monday, when they play host to Mannford High in a late-afternoon game.
He has built the foundation of the squad on a handful of gritty veterans.
Tate Lewis returns on the mound, where he earned the team’s ace status last season.
Brayden Ford also is an experienced moundman, is slated to play third base and will bat in the middle of the lineup.
Both Lewis and Ford will play an everyday role and bolster the pitching staff, Richardson said.
Cole Hancock, who received valuable seasoning last summer with the Bartlesville Doenges Ford Indians, “He’s going to be a good ball player,” the coach said. “He’s left-handed and will be a first baseman.”
Conner Moody will be relied on in the lineup, Richardson said.
Zane Griggs brings quality versatility — as a shortstop, pitcher and catcher, Richard said.
Trent Muninger is the prospective leadoff hitter and slated to play in the outfield.
“He’s a heck of athlete,” Richardson said. “He can absolutely fly. We’ll be trying to get him going in the right direction, baseball-wise. He’s got a chance to be a heck of a baseball player. He’s got tools you can’t teach.”
Speed should be an overall team asset, Richards said.
“We’re going to try to use it to force people to play defense and make them make plays to beat us. Hopefully, we can force them to play our style and not for us to play their style.”
Richardson is a Midwest City High product, where he experienced being on a state championship program.
He played quarterback at Midwest City for Ron Smith, who several years later would be the Bartlesville High head football coach (2006-10).
Richardson is now looking to be part of a Dewey baseball revival.
“It’s been phenomenal,” he said about his time so far at Dewey. “I’m looking forward to building the tradition back up.”
This article originally appeared on Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise: New coach leads Dewey baseball team
