Uploaded October 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Tom “Butch” Richardson coached a variety of sports during his 40-year teaching career at USM, including football from 1972 to 1985, 1988 to 1990, 1994, and 2001. He also helped to run the junior varsity golf program from 2014 to 2019. But Richardson may be best known for his long tenure as USM’s varsity track and field coach, a role he held from 1972 to 2007. Some of Richardson’s many highlights include winning the WISAA State Class “C” Championship in track and field in 1975, 1976, 1978, and 1979. Richardson also led the Wildcats to the WISAA State Class “B” Championship in 1991, and state runner-up in 1992, and accumulated several conference championships throughout his illustrious career. He received his nickname during his first year of teaching from a student who called him a “butcher” for his tough grading. The nickname became official in September 2012, when USM’s track was dedicated as the Tom “Butch” Richardson Track, in recognition of his significant achievements as a coach and mentor. Richardson is remembered for his great sense of humor, passion for teaching and coaching, and ability to help bring students together through the joy of sports.
University School of Milwaukee provides an exceptional PK-12 independent school education in a supportive, inclusive community built on the foundation of our Common Trust. Learn more about USM at www.usm.org.
Tom “Butch” Richardson coached a variety of sports during his 40-year teaching career at USM, including football from 1972 to 1985, 1988 to 1990, 1994, and 2001. He also helped to run the junior varsity golf program from 2014 to 2019. But Richardson may be best known for his long tenure as USM’s varsity track and field coach, a role he held from 1972 to 2007. Some of Richardson’s many highlights include winning the WISAA State Class “C” Championship in track and field in 1975, 1976, 1978, and 1979. Richardson also led the Wildcats to the WISAA State Class “B” Championship in 1991, and state runner-up in 1992, and accumulated several conference championships throughout his illustrious career. He received his nickname during his first year of teaching from a student who called him a “butcher” for his tough grading. The nickname became official in September 2012, when USM’s track was dedicated as the Tom “Butch” Richardson Track, in recognition of his significant achievements as a coach and mentor. Richardson is remembered for his great sense of humor, passion for teaching and coaching, and ability to help bring students together through the joy of sports.
University School of Milwaukee provides an exceptional PK-12 independent school education in a supportive, inclusive community built on the foundation of our Common Trust. Learn more about USM at www.usm.org.
