Richards High School Hosts Matt Kocher Games This Sunday

The spirit of Richards High School will shine brightly this Sunday as the Bulldogs once again serve as hosts of The Matt Kocher Games, the regional basketball tournament for Illinois Special Olympics.

More than 100 students and staff members will volunteer to help make this event possible. They cook and serve lunch for the athletes, sell Special Olympics spirit wear, keep score and time for the games, and work the concession stand.

Richards has hosted the tournament for more than a decade. In 2014, however, the meaning of the event grew.

Matt Kocher, the son of now-retired Richards counselor and football coach John Kocher, had died the summer before in a drowning accident in Lake Michigan. For years, Matt and his dad volunteered at the tournament.

To honor the young man, Richards named the tournament “The Matt Kocher Games.”

Matt distinguished himself as an academic star and three-sport athlete at Andrew High School. Like his father, his sense of kindness, generosity, and humanity impressed everyone.

Matt’s dedication to Special Olympics represented just one aspect of his work as a volunteer. Matt volunteered time to his church and community through numerous activities.

In 2014, Matt posthumously received the Cook County Sheriff's Youth Service Medal of Honors, given to students who volunteer more than 100 hours in a year, for his efforts.