Guthrie’s Richard Hendricks was among three Oklahoma Baptist University graduates honored with the university’s prestigious Alumni Achievement Award during its annual Harvest Dinner on October 2 in Shawnee.
The award is the highest honor presented by the OBU Alumni Association and recognizes graduates whose outstanding lifetime service and accomplishments have brought distinction to the university.
Hendricks, a 1963 OBU graduate, was recognized for his more than three decades of service to Oklahoma education, his accomplishments in high school athletics and his efforts to preserve the state’s rich sports history.
A former collegiate basketball and baseball player at OBU, Hendricks went on to dedicate more than 30 years to public education as a teacher, coach, and administrator.
During his 19-year coaching career, his teams produced numerous All-State athletes and made three state tournament appearances. His influence extended beyond wins and losses, as he mentored generations of students and athletes throughout his career.
Hendricks later transitioned into school administration before retiring from public education.
Beyond his work in education, Hendricks played an important role in preserving and promoting Oklahoma’s athletic history.
He was a founding member of the Oklahoma High School Baseball Coaches Association and was inducted into the organization’s Hall of Fame in 2001.
One of his most notable contributions came in Guthrie, where he helped establish the Oklahoma Sports Museum.
The museum became home to the state’s largest collection of Oklahoma sports artifacts, preserving memorabilia and recognizing athletes, coaches, and teams that helped shape the state’s athletic heritage.
The Oklahoma State Legislature later designated the facility as Oklahoma’s official sports museum.
The museum’s extensive collection was eventually donated to the Oklahoma History Center, ensuring the historical artifacts would continue to be preserved for future generations.
Hendricks’ work with the museum helped establish Guthrie as an important location for celebrating Oklahoma sports history.
Alongside his wife, Carolyn, Hendricks has built a legacy centered on faith, education, athletics and community service.
Hendricks received the Alumni Achievement Award alongside fellow graduates Samuel John Garlow, a 1976 alumnus and former executive vice president of Shawnee Milling Company, and Charles “Chuck” Lawrence, a 1982 graduate recognized for his professional accomplishments and community service.
The university also recognized Dr. Lucas J. Adams and Dr. Ashton M. Gores with its Graduate of the Last Decade Awards.
Profile in Excellence Awards were presented to Noble K. McIntyre, Dr. Jessica L. Rimmer and Ryan John Rudebock.
The awards were presented during OBU’s annual Harvest Dinner, held as part of The Weekend, the university’s homecoming celebration on its Shawnee campus.
For Hendricks, the recognition adds another distinction to a lifetime devoted to education, athletics and preserving Oklahoma’s sporting legacy.
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