Rich retires as Trinity athletic director
Ricci Rich’s successful 10-year run as Trinity High School’s athletic director has ended.
Rich retired from the position. His final day was Friday.
“I am retiring from the State System, and will be entering corporate America,” Rich explained.
“We’ve done great things the last 10 years. We’ve upgraded the facilities, have good coaches and all of our programs are respectable.”
Under Rich’s direction, Trinity saw a major upgrade in facilities and an increase in the number of sports available to student-athletes.
Trinity’s athletic renaissance was recognized across the state. Rich was named the Pennsylvania State Athletic Director of the Year in 2024.
When asked what he is most proud of during his time as the Hillers’ AD, Rich didn’t narrow it down to one sport or event. He spoke about the upgrade in Trinity’s programs both on and off the field.
“It’s not one thing, it’s the big picture,” he said. “It’s where we’ve come from and how far we’ve progressed. We’ve been able to bring back the identity of what Trinity has meant to so many people. Now, other schools have seen what we’ve done and they want to be like Trinity.
“We’ve hired great coaches. We’ve built great facilities. We have great kids. These things give our kids great pride in being a Hiller.”
During Rich’s time at Trinity, the school district opened an indoor Sports Performance Center, made improvements to Hiller Field, the adjacent softball field and to Hiller Hall at the high school, among other upgrades. The Hillers’ sports facilities are the envy of many school districts throughout the local area, the WPIAL and state.
The WPIAL has noticed and has been using Trinity’s venues for postseason competition in several sports.
Trinity also added about a half dozen sports, including girls wrestling, during Rich’s tenure as AD.
“Previously, I’ve had people call and judge my interest in working elsewhere, and I’ve always said, ‘Thanks, but no thanks.’ I always intended to retire from Trinity. It had gotten to the point where some people thought we could be better with somebody else in the chair, so it got me thinking. We cover 250 events a year. That’s a lot of time to put in. I’ve got my kids and there’s a point where you have to do what’s best for your family. I’ll still be around, but it will be as a parent.”
As Trinity begins the search for its next athletic director, Middle School principal Paul Kostelnik will serve as interim AD. Kaci Alderson is the assistant AD.