Water Polo in Northern California's East Bay would not be what it is today without Ron Richison. Richison is as familiar to the region's water polo families as a trip along the 24 freeway. He first put his stamp on the sport at the high-school level. He began coaching at Del Valle in Walnut Creek, CA in 1965 and moved to Campolindo High School in Moraga, CA in 1969 where he would spend 14 years as head boys water polo coach. Three North Coast Invitational titles and a Foothill Athletic League crown followed, until Richison pivoted to Acalanes High School in Lafayette, CA in 1984.

At Acalanes, Richison's teams flew even higher, claiming three California Interscholastic Federation pennants and a 1987 California state championship. All the while, Richison was busy growing water polo as a club sport in the region. In 1968, he joined Peter Cutino's Concord Water Polo Club, now known as Lamorinda Water Polo, and with the help of Steve Heaston, built it into a powerhouse that's continued today as a club with nationwide recognition. Richison's teams produced a staggering 22 high school All-Americans, 24 eventual NCAA champions and nine Olympians. The list includes legends such as Steve Heaston, Kirk Everist, Peter Schnugg, John Schnugg, Craig Klass, Rick McNair and swimming great Matt Biondi. Away from the pool, Richison also spent a decade as the treasurer for Pacific Water Polo, starting in 2002. When he's not spending time with his grandchildren, the now retired Richison swims laps and remains a supporter of high school water polo in the East Bay.