The last thing Jim Rickard is looking for is more recognition. Over the past 20 years, the much-respected coach has led Mustang squads to conference and regional titles, multiple national tournament berths and championships. Along the way he has mentored a plethora of All-Americans and has garnered several coach of the year honors, including the Brine-NAIA Coach of the Year in 2009.
To accomplish all of this takes a lot of winning. A whole lot. Entering the 2011 campaign, Rickard is just three victories away from reaching the 250-win plateau, a testimony to both talent and endurance. Yet, he would be the last one to point this out. In his humble and self-deprecating manner, the 21st-year head coach knows that it's all about the team and not him. So, with renewed vigor and characteristic focus, Rickard turns to the task at hand, guiding his team back to the postseason after a disappointing 2010 campaign.
Therein lies several of the secrets of Rickard's rare and
lengthy tenure as head coach of the men's soccer team at The
Master's College. Along with all of the other attributes that have
made him a respected and admired mentor, it's the consistent
approach to life and the sport of soccer that have kept him near or
at the top of his profession.
That steadiness translates not only to success on the field but in
the lives of those athletes he has tutored for two decades. It
hasn't been easy notching nearly 250 wins in that span but it
may have been even more challenging imparting a fervent love for
Jesus Christ and life skills to his players. Their response to his
consistent message is a testimony to his unswerving
style.
On the other hand, the recruiting part of the job was and never is
glamorous but Rickard knows the grind of watching and finding
talented athletes will pay off in the long run. In addition, the
area of match management has always been a strength of his as he
craftily designs game plans and then makes the right adjustments on
the run. The results have been clear to see as the Mustangs
continue to be perennial postseason contenders and
participants.
Just as important, the Mustangs have never backed down from
opponents, including the nationally-ranked ones that Rickard
inevitably includes in his fall schedule with the intent of
focusing his team for the postseason. These teams have been
remarkable performers for two decades, winning nearly 63% of their
matches. All of this is recent testimony to a journey that started
25 years ago.
Following his graduation from Richland (WA) High School in 1986,
Rickard entered The Master's College where he developed into one of
the greatest players in the history of the program. His leadership
qualities were noted from the outset with his appointment as team
captain, a post he would hold throughout his collegiate career.
Playing sweeper, Rickard led the Mustangs to 57 victories, three
postseason berths, and a pair of National Christian College
Athletic Association national championships during a sterling
four-year career.
Along with his team's success came individual honors for Rickard,
whose reputation as a fierce competitor and a sportsman gained
positive reviews from coaches all over the country. He was named an
NAIA All-American and an All-Far West selection in 1987 and 1989,
an NAIA All-District III choice all four years, and the Defensive
MVP of the 1987 National Christian College Athletic Association
National Tournament.
After graduating from the college in 1990 with a degree in Business
Administration, Rickard immediately became an assistant coach for
the Mustangs, helping the squad to its first-ever NAIA National
Tournament appearance. One year later, Rickard took over the mantle
of head coach, beginning a period of unparalleled success at the
college. Over the last 20 years, Rickard has guided the
Mustangs to sixteen playoff appearances, seven NAIA region finals,
three NAIA National Tournaments, and a trio of NCCAA National
Championships. In addition, Rickard has coached over 20 NAIA
All-Americans and over 50 NAIA all-region performers.
But Rickard is about more than accomplishments on the soccer field.
To keep the team's focus on spiritual things, he maintains a
year-long discipleship program with his players and has established
prayer groups on the team. A committed husband and father, Jim and
his wife of ten years, Jolene, live in Santa Clarita with their two
daughters, Michaela and Brooke, and son, Trenton. Jim earned his
Master's in Business Administration from California Lutheran
University in 1999, passed the CPA exam, and continues to work at
the Stewardship Services Foundation in the off-season.