From the editor

Yes, that’s University of Georgia Football Coach Mark Richt and his wife Katharyn on our cover. However, this cover story is not just about football—it’s really more of a love story. A love of football, true, but it’s also about a man finding the love of God and then discovering his life’s soul mate. It’s the story of a man whose game plans didn’t go the way he thought they should, but whose bad breaks and poor choices prepared him to coach, not play football.

As Richt told writer Byron McCombs, “It’s character-building time when you don’t get your way.”

Along his journey, Richt did make some good choices. He came to find peace and meaning in his life under the mentoring of Florida State University Head Coach Bobby Bowden. Then he found Katharyn—of whom he says, “She’s an awesome wife, who loves the Lord and loves me, and has always been very supportive of anything I’ve ever wanted to do.” Home means everything to him.

Now, as a head football coach, Richt is making his mark on his players in a positive way both on and off the field. He spends time each week with his seniors discussing character issues. “He cares about us in terms of football and as a person. He is a great family man, which rubs off on other players and coaches,” says quarterback Matthew Stafford.

After you read about the Richts in “Faith, family and football,” don’t miss our Kids’ July Fourth Art Contest winners for some heartwarming renditions of children’s views of this patriotic day.

Enjoy,

Ann Orowski
Editor

ON THE COVER:

University of Georgia Football Coach Mark Richt and wife Katharyn make a strong team when it comes to their values on faith, family and football. (Photo by Parker C. Smith.)