Across the Field

As part of THE dominate conference in all of college football, schools across the SEC take great pride in representing their league.  The Oct. 19 edition of Sport Illustrated examined the SEC's football prowess and passionate fan base -- noting that it features the country's only following that chants its conference name when the right team beats a nonconference foe -- "S-E-C. S-E-C!!"

In an effort to put a face on other programs and help Gator fans gain a greater appreciation for those making a difference around the league, "Across the Field" features interviews with associates of football programs across the conference.

Kathryn Richt - 1st lady of Ga. football

GG: Give us a little background on you (where raised, where you went to school, favorite activities)...
KR: Born in Jacksonville, Fla.  Raised in Tallahassee. Graduated from FSU as did all of my family.

GG: Where/how did you meet Mark? Were you a football fan at the time you met?
KR: Blind date and yes I have always enjoyed football, loved throwing the ball with my dad and big brother growing up, took stats for High School football team.

GG: What was the family progression? (where married, where lived, etc).
KR: Married in Tallahassee, 1987.  Lived one year in East Carolina, N.C. 1989 then back to Tally until we came to Georgia.

GG: What are the kids up to these days?
KR: Jon (19) Playing football for Mars Hill College in N.C.; 
- David (14) Playing football, sings and plays keyboard for praise band
- Zach (13) Plays soccer, catches bugs
- Anya (12) Riding horses

GG: What do you like to do in your spare time? Any hobbies or interests?
KR: Family is what I like to do during spare time.

GG: Any particular causes, charities you're involved with? What about Mark?
KR: We love and are very involved with Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) in Athens.  Also we support some of the local charities.

GG: Have I heard correctly that you sometimes serve as the watergirl on the sideline for the team during the games? Any hydration tips that would stump the WaterBoy?

KR: Yes, normally I am working every game, but this year I am at our son Jon's games. I just love working and giving something to the boys because they give their hearts out on that field, even though it is just water.

GG: How do you handle negative press, disgruntled fans and sometimes unrealistic expectations?
KR: I choose to focus on Jesus, and try not to get caught up in all that stuff.

GG: What's your method for dealing with Mark following a loss?
KR: Just loving him cause I really like him! And trying to be a good listener.

GG: If Mark weren't coaching, what would you likely be doing? What would he be doing?
KR: Whatever or wherever the Lord would lead.

GG: I've read that you're a survivor of cervical cancer. Tell us a little about that experience, the treatment you underwent and how it changed your life.
KR: We caught mine early so I didn't have to go through what a lot of other people have to endure with cancer, so I don't think about it much as far as for myself.

GG: I've also heard you've recently gone back to school for a nursing degree. Shelley Meyer has a degree in psychiatric nursing, what specialization are you pursuing?
KR: I am just taking all my sciences to try to get in the program...and it is really hard.

GG: How hard has it been to get back into the swing of school?
KR: Very hard to find time to get everything done and still have time to study.

GG: What can you tell other moms out there that have been debating a similar move but feel its too much with all the other responsibilities on their plate?

KR: If God is leading then you can do anything through Him!

GG: What's your favorite vacation spot?
KR: Lake Hartwell, Ga.