Richard Turner (1987) - Hall of Fame - University of Akron Athletics

Richard Turner

Induction:
1987
Class:
1962

1963-61
Track/Basketball
‘68

There are few who will dispute the fact the Richard Turner, better known as Rich, was one of the finest all-around athletes on campus in the mid-60s. Turner’s performance is a matter of a record. From 1963 thru 1967, Rich earned four letters each in basketball and track. Although a starter on occasion in basketball, Rich excelled at coming off the bench as UA’s “clutch player” or “sixth man” with uncanny ability for stealing the ball and driving for the easy layup. Teaming with such Hall of Famer's as brother Bill, Don Williams, Bob “Sumthin” Smith and Frank Thompson, Turner helped UA capture 89 of 112 games, win three NCAA Mideast Regionals and finish second (1964) and third (1966) in the NCAA Championships. Turner was as successful, in not more so, in track as he was in basketball. Excelling as a hurdler and high jumper, he helped UA compile records of 6-1 in 1964, 8-1 in 1965, 9-1 in 1966 and 9-2 in 1967, as the Zips won the Ohio Conference Championships the latter three years. Turner was the OC Champ in 110 high hurdles and 330 intermediate hurdles in 1965 and the high hurdles, high jump and 440 intermediate champion in 1966 when he was voted the meet’s outstanding performer while scoring 29 points. He capped his senior campaign by capturing the All-Ohio high hurdles championships with a school record 14.1 clocking.