WINONA, Minn. - Richard Marchand was a four-year member of the Winona State Baseball team. Marchand earned his bachelor's degree in Physical Education in 1978. Marchand was a pitcher for the Warrior baseball team, and helped lead them to a NSIC Conference Championship title in 1977. He currently ranks #1 in the WSU baseball record books in career and season winning percentage.

 What was your favorite sports memory during your time at WSU?
It was being a part of the baseball program and having a chance to hang out with and be around other student-athletes.
 
What would you say is your greatest athletic or academic accomplishment during your time at WSU?
My junior year, with a strong defensive and offensive team behind me, I was 7-0 on the mound as a pitcher. My fondest academics took place after I tore my labrum muscle. I was no longer able to play baseball, so I took my energy and put it into the classroom. It was that effort that led to a strong graduation and career path ahead which I deeply valued. 39 years as a public educator.
 
How has your WSU athletics experience been influential throughout your life?
A true understanding of team. Every member on my team was important and their accomplishments on the field collectively fostered success.
 
Please share any recent professional or personal accomplishments.
I was named Citizen of the Year in the city of Leominster, MA in 2002. I also was an elected city official for 22 years, prior to retirement, and I served as the City Council President for the longest length of time in our city's history. I have been involved with the Massachusetts Teacher of the Year program, and coached with Hall of Fame Team USA softball coach, Ralph Raymond. Lastly, we were recognized at the White House by President Clinton as America's Youth Group of the Year in the fight against AIDS.
 
What is your current occupation, and what are your career goals?
After retirement, when the pandemic hit, I was asked to manage a project, which led to manufacturing and distributing over 600,000 reusable protective masks across America. I remain a project manager at that company, and one day look forward to slowing down!
 
What advice would you give to current WSU student-athletes?
Make your academics your top priority. Your sports experience at WSU will be special, but at the end of your college days, your launch into a career will be the most important legacy you leave behind.
 
Please include any additional information you would like to share.
My career path has been a roller coaster and through the mentoring of my coaches and teachers at WSU, I was well prepared to take on any challenges with a can do attitude. I was blessed to attend WSU, and the decision to attend wasn't easy. I had been recruited by many colleges across the country to play baseball and I ended up traveling from Massachusetts to Minnesota. A move I will never regret, outside of some tough winter months!

If any current Warrior student-athletes are interested in connecting with Rick Marchand, please reach out to your SAS team advisor to get his contact information.
 
If you are a Winona State student-athlete alum and would like to be featured in the Alumni Spotlight series, please fill out the Alumni Spotlight Questionnaire.