FAIRFAX, Va. – First-year head coach Ted Nagorsen announced the addition of Joseph Richards as an assistant coach to the George Mason rowing program. Richards spent the past five years at Colby College.

“I am pleased to welcome new Assistant Coach Joe Richards to our staff,” stated Nagorsen. “Joe graduated from George Washington University and successfully competed on the men's rowing team all four years, earning a silver medal at the IRA regatta. With more than eight years of coaching experience, Joe is no stranger to the rowing world and we are eager to get him started.”

Joining the Colby College program in August 2008 as an assistant coach for men's and women's rowing, Richards became the recruiting coordinator for both programs. Richards worked primarily with the novice in the fall and assisted with all boats during the spring seasons. Prior to his Colby College stint, Richards was an assistant coach at the University of Southern California for the men's crew club from September 2005-May 2008. While at USC, Richards worked primarily with the varsity men's crews and helped lead them to a bronze medal in the MV4+ at the 2006 Pac-10 Rowing Championships and a third-place finish in the California Cup at the 2006 San Diego Crew Classic.

Richards began his coaching career at Yorktown High School as the novice women's coach. The Baldwinsville, N.Y., native rowed for four years for George Washington University men's crew. He was voted captain and named MVP during his senior season after helping lead the team to a silver medal in the MV4+ at the IRA National Championship Regatta.

“I am excited to be a part of the George Mason Rowing program and I hope to help continue the team's tradition of success,” Richards commented.

A graduate of The George Washington University, Richards earned a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies in May 2004. In December 2011, Richards received a Master of Sports Leadership from Northeastern University.