Head Coach
Mike Tovar
Coaching Experience: 35 years: 1 year at Midlothian Middle School; 2 years at Midlothian High School; 25 years at Hillcrest High School; 8 years at Richardson High School
College: Texas Tech University
Coaching Specialty: All aspects of the game
Family: Wife - Kelly (Teacher at Richardson High School); Son - Matthew, Son - Nicholas; Daughter - Abigail; Daughter-in-law - Laura; Grandson - Belton; Grandaughter - Elizabeth
Athlete I Admire: Dustin Pedroia / Infielder for the Red Sox - he is a hard-working, hustling, team player
When Not Coaching Baseball I: Read, work cross-word puzzles and spend time with family
What I Expect From My Players: Commitment, dedication, hustle & positive attitude
Best Baseball Memory: I have many...but I’m still waiting for the best one...a Richardson High School Eagles memory!
My Advice to Graduating Seniors Is: Choose a career you absolutely love and you’ll never work a day in your life...I know I did!
Five Years From Now I’ll Be: Doing what I love...COACHING!
Varsity Assistant
Jason Smiga
Hitting Coach
Coaching Experience: 22 years at Richardson High School
College: Sam Houston State University and The University of Houston where he was awarded “All Southwest Conference Shortstop”
Family: Wife - Erin; Daughter - Madeline (17) & Daughter - Morgan (11)
When Not Coaching Baseball I: Play golf, watch football and spend time with family
What I Expect From My Players: I expect every player to play every game like it is their first game; with enthusiasm, excitement, an open mind and integrity
Best Baseball Memory: Playing professional baseball in the Texas Rangers organization at the “A” and “AA” levels
My Advice to Graduating Seniors Is: Find something you love to do and always give it your best.
Varsity Assistant
Jason Gunter
Varsity Assistant
Coaching Experience: 24 years, all in RISD (5 at Westwood Junior High School, 19 at Richardson High School).
College: Texas A&M University
Family: Wife - Robin (RHS Class of ’94), 20+ years in RISD (Director of Instructional Technology, K-12)
When Not Coaching Baseball I: Coach football, play golf, travel, spend time with my wife and dogs (Rud and Cass).
What I Expect From My Players: Team first commitment…learn to put the needs of others ahead of your own. My hope is that they have fun and cherish the relationships and memories created throughout the journey.
My Advice to Graduating Seniors Is: Money isn’t everything…it is much more rewarding to make a living doing something you’re passionate about. If you love what you do, work isn’t “work”.