Richard Gugat, Class of 2004

Rich has experienced the kind of coaching success that few people have known. As the head coach of the U.S. Air Force Academy’s men’s tennis team for the past 30 years, he has established one of the most respected collegiate tennis programs in the nation. 

At the time of his induction, he was one of only three active coaches in the nation to reach the 600-win plateau. His career record of 672-198 represents the most wins in Academy history for a coach in any sport and has an outstanding winning percentage of .772.

In addition, another highlight of Rich’s career is recording 23 consecutive 20-win seasons through the 1980s and ‘90s. 

His 30-year coaching stint is also the longest of any coach in any sport in Academy history. Rich was named the 1987 Western Athletic Conference Coach of the Year.