A team effort

Alex Perdikis, ’97, a former Richmond football student-athlete, remembers well the time he spent in the Spider team meeting room.

From hosting team huddles the night before a home game to presentations from guest speakers, the room became a shared space to support team camaraderie and belonging. “It’s always been a special place — a sacred place,” he said.

“It’s one of the first places that new recruits see when they tour campus, so we wanted to make this a space that you’re excited to walk into,” Perdikis said. “All of the athletics facilities are so amazing; we felt that updating the room would be the perfect touch. No matter the amount people gave, it all made a difference.”

The alumni dedicated their gift to Jim Reid (left, with Perdikis), who served as head coach of the Spider football program from 1993 to 2004. The renovated room was unveiled at a special gathering that also marked the 25th anniversary of the Class of 1998 football team. That year, the team achieved a 9-3 record, an Atlantic 10 championship, and a trip to the NCAA playoffs.

“Coach Reid was and continues to be an instrumental part of my life and in the lives of every player he’s worked with,” Perdikis said. “He’s an unbelievable mentor, coach, and leader on and off the field. It was important for us to recognize him with this gift and recognize the importance of great coaching.”