From the Antonio D. Richards
(Coach Bam) political campaign
Editor’s Note: All candidates in Autauga and Elmore counties running for mayoral or council seats are invited to send a onetime announcement in the Elmore Autauga News, at no charge. Please email your information and photo to Sarah Stephens at [email protected]. Please remember to include what seat you are running for, and what community.
Antonio “Bam” Richards was born on July 4, 1980 in Troy, AL. He is a product of Troy City Schools. He graduated from Charles Henderson High School in 1998. He played on the football team. He made All-State his senior year. He later pursued his career at Alabama State University. He played football for Alabama State. He made All-Swac his senior year. He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education. He has a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from Alabama State University.
After graduating from college, Coach Bam began his coaching career. He started his coaching career at Lanier High School. He then went to coach at Charles Henderson High School. He started coaching at Prattville High School Jan. 2006. He was a member of the Prattville Lions Football Coaching Staff that won four state championships and played in six state championship games.
He was awarded Coach of the year in 2010 when he was the head coach at Autaugaville School. Coach Bam also coached at the University of Michigan as recruiting coordinator and offensive analyst. He had to retire from coaching in 2018 due to health concerns.
Coach Bam is a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, with whom he has done a lot of community service. He currently works part time with AEA (Alabama Education Association).
He is married to his high school sweetheart for almost 2 decades, Melanie L. Richards, they have two beautiful children Madison (16) and Angland (12). They are members of Prattville Missionary Baptist Church Prattville. Rev. Fred Gray is the Pastor.
