The main gate at Springfield Community Stadium has a new name–Rick Upchurch Gate #40. In conjunction with the September 10 Alumni Night celebration, Springfield Schools held a ceremony renaming the gate in honor of Mr. Upchurch, a 1971 SHS graduate who went on to play professional football with the Denver Broncos. The five-time All-Pro was inducted several years ago into the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame, an exclusive club of Pro Football Hall of Famers John Elway, Shannon Sharpe, Floyd Little and Gary Zimmerman.
Alumni director Sherri Koback said the alumni night celebration “provided the perfect opportunity to celebrate Rick and his accomplishments.”
Superintendent Matt Geha commended the former Blue Devil. “We are so proud of what you have done and continue to do,” he said, adding, “The board of education voted unanimously to name the gate Rick Upchurch Gate #40.”
Mr. Upchurch thanked the district for the honor, noting his success on the field and in life wouldn’t be possible without the support of his family and the community that raised him. “I love Holland, Ohio because Holland, Ohio loved me,” he said. “This honor is not about me but about the community and the team. It’s the only reason I’ve achieved so much.” Of his former teammates, he said, “1971, wasn’t that a great year? We did it. We got it done. We won it [Northern Lakes League title] outright.”
He encouraged everyone to work together as they did when in his youth. “Let’s be proud of our community and care about and love one another. Our kids are watching us, and the way we act is the way our children will act.”
Above left, Mr. Upchurch, surrounded by Blue Devil cheerleaders, stands in front of the newly named entrance gate. Right, Mr. Geha and Mrs. Koback with Mr. Upchurch, display a board commemorating the alum’s illustrious career.
