SANDY — The Richards clan is one athletic family.
Doug Richards blazed the pathway as a basketball star at BYU playing with Kresimir Cosic back in the 1970s and also playing in Europe for a year. Now, he has a passel of sons who have followed in his footsteps.
And when talking about athletic ability, don't forget Uncle Golden, who dazzled NFL defensive backs catching passes from Roger Staubach on America's team, the Dallas Cowboys. But he is a story for another day.
Chase and Preston Richards excel at multiple sports. Chase is a three-sport letterman at Jordan, and Preston believes he may have a future in college golf. But for now, basketball is the focus, and another brother, Jason, helps keep that focus as an assistant coach on the Beetdigger team.
Head coach Dave McConnell believes the tradition will continue.
"I'm looking forward to seeing these kids play in college," he said.
One might wonder how McConnell keeps track of all the Richardses, but he is glad to have them on his team.
"I don't know if we could run the up-tempo game without them," he said. "They are masters of fast-break basketball. They bring a lot of excitement to the game."
The state tournament looms just ahead.
"Our first milestone is to get to state," Jason said. It won't be an easy task, since many consider Region 2 the toughest in the state.
Meanwhile, Chase and Preston are doing their best to attain that goal.
"Chase is still working on his game," Doug said. "He is really fast and quick. Preston's strengths are rebounding and defense."
Said McConnell: "Preston has been a pleasant surprise for us with his rebounding."
Chase recently received notice that he has been nominated for the McDonald's All American team. More practice and more dedication will be necessary, but the Richardses don't lack in that category either.
Doug still works with them constantly.
"He rebounds free throws with us all the time," said Chase.
His free time may be reduced, since he was just recently called to be an LDS bishop. But over the years, Doug has found time away from his job to coach his kids in Junior Jazz, super leagues and AAU.
"He never misses any of the games," Jason said.
E-mail: wjewkes@desnews.com