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Louisiana Tech Development (Championship Resources)





 
Gallery: (9-20-2023) Sarah and A.L. Williams Champions Plaza


Named in honor of former Louisiana Tech student-athlete and football coach, A.L. Williams, and his wife, Sarah, the plaza was unveiled on Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023, recognizing the most highly-decorated student-athletes and teams in the University's history. The plaza is highlighted with life size and a half statues of Pro Football Hall of Famers Terry Bradshaw, Fred Dean, and Willie Roaf, and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famers Karl Malone, Kim Mulkey, and Teresa Weatherspoon.

ABOUT COACH A.L. WILLIAMS
A.L. Williams was a two-sport star for Louisiana Tech in the 1950s, lettering for both football and track and field, running in relays and competing in the long and triple jumps. On the football field, Williams was a star for the Bulldogs. He led LA Tech in scoring his final three years while also leading the Gulf States Conference in scoring as a senior. Williams was enshrined into the Louisiana Tech Athletics Hall of Fame in 2007. He also served as the Bulldogs head football coach in the early 1980s, leading LA Tech to the 1984 FCS national title game.
 
A.L. Williams

Louisiana Tech President Dr. Les Guice -- “A.L. Williams’ name is synonymous with high levels of success at our University both during his time as a student-athlete and as a football coach. A.L. and his late wife Sarah are both loyal Tech supporters, and I am so happy their name will be on such a wonderful new addition to our athletics village. This is a tribute our current and future student-athletes will see for years to come.”

Chris Richardson (nephew of A.L. and Sarah Williams who provided the philanthropic gift that will fund the plaza) -- Our commitment to this project is two-fold. Sarah and A.L.'s careers were both enveloped in teaching young people the importance and value of great character and leadership. They both had such a positive impact on so many young people's lives. We also want the Sarah and A.L. Williams Champions Plaza to provide a daily reminder to current and future student-athletes that Louisiana Tech provides an opportunity for quality and excellence in education and athletics. We couldn't think of a better way to honor Sarah and A.L. for their distinguished careers."

Louisiana Tech Athletics Director/VP Dr. Eric A. Wood -- "We are so appreciative to Chris for his continued investment in our University and its athletic programs. The Sarah and A.L. Williams Champions Plaza has a special significance to Chris, and he has made a strong pledge to helping us continue to improve our athletics village."