Bradan Ritchey tabbed as next Wildcat’s AD/HFC

After the resignation of athletic director and head football coach Shad Hanna, Archer City ISD has named Bradan Ritchey the next leader of Wildcats athletics.

Ritchey was named the new athletic director at the Archer City school board meeting Monday night.

“I grew up as a coaches kid,” Ritchey said. “I’ve always been involved in athletics and football in particular. We moved around quite a bit growing up so I’ve been in a lot of different places.”

A 2006 graduate of Boyd High School, Ritchey comes to Archer City after coaching stints at Granbury, Brewer, Bridgeport and most recently Eaton High School where he served as the offensive line coach and special teams coordinator.

“It’s always been a dream of mine to be a head coach and athletic director and it’s always been a dream to raise my kids in a small school,” Ritchey said. “Those two things coincided with each other. It’s seemed like a really great fit from day one. I got a really good feel from the community and I’m coming into a program that’s been successful. It’s not like I have to come in and fix something that’s broken. I’m looking to keep it rolling.”

Ritchey attended Angelo State where he was a four-year letterman for the Rams. He appeared in 42 games at tight end, making 36 catches for 350 yards and one score.

“His family values and what he brings to the table as a young and energetic coach is what we saw in him,” Zach Rowe, Archer City School Board member said. “We see the potential in him to allow us to take the next step.”

As far as X’s and O’s go, Ritchey’s offensive philosophy is a power running game out of spread formations.

“If I had to give myself a scheme that I’m tied to, I’d say it’s the power-spread philosophy, overall a spread philosophy with an emphasis on the power run game,” he added. “I’m very adaptable and whatever the kids have to offer is what I’m going to do.”

While football season is a long way off, Ritchey hopes to make the transition to Archer City as soon as possible to begin fostering relationships with coaches and players.

“I’d love to get to know all the coaches, teachers and kids and introduce myself and what my vision is and build relationships. I really want to start building relationships with the kids and the coaches that are already here. I know they do an outstanding job and have a lot to offer. I want to get with them and get a foundation built. I’m hoping to start teaching terminology, schemes and philosophy as we get ready to go into summer.”