Alma Richards Monument

Brick or brick façade monument at the entry to Parowan High School's football field. PHS is located at 168 N. Main Street, Parowan. The football field is to the northwest of the school. The monument traces major athletic accomplishments in Richards' (1890-1963) life.
Transcription:

ALMA W. RICHARDS
UTAH'S FIRST OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST

February 20, 1980-norn in Parowan, Utah.
1904-seeking to be "free," Richards dropped out of school at age 14.
1908-returned to school through the influence of a teacher who admonished, "The only way to be truly free is to get an education." May, 1909-singlehandedly took first in the state track meet, which included all of the high schools in Utah.

July, 1912-won an Olympic Gold Medal in the high jump at Stockholm, Sweden. Just prior to his victorious jump, in full view of King Gustav and 22,000 noisy spectators, the humble farm boy dropped to his knees and silently prayed, "God, give me strength. And if it's right that I should win, give me strength to do my

best to set a good example all the days of my life August 1915-smashed Jim Thorpe's Olympic world decathlon record by 1000 points.

1916-1919-served in the US. Army during WWi and was declared the greatest athlete in the US. Expeditionary Forces, by General John Pershing.

1913-1932-won 55 Regional and National Track & Field Championships

1924-after achieving academic excellence and eaming a lavy degree at USC, he chose to become a teacher so be could make a difference in young people's lives. Richards taught briefly at Parowan High School and then in Southern California for 30 years,

1947-named Utah Athlete of the Century.

April 3, 1963-died in Orange, California. Richards last request was to be buried in his beloved Parowan

Sincere thanks for the many private and public donations received for this monument.

Joe Zaleski-Eagle Scout Project 2001-