Rico Cherico

Bio

Rico Cherico has led the Red Raven Powerlifting program since 2021 and began as Coffeyville's first ever Director of Sports Performace in 2025.

Recently stepping away from his coaching role on the Red Raven football staff, Coach Cherico transitioned full-time into leading the athletic department's strength, conditioning, and athletic development initiatives. This strategic move coincides with a monumental $4 million renovation of the athletic complex, highlighted by a state-of-the-art, 10,000-square-foot weight room loaded with $750,000 in brand-new, elite equipment. Alongside three certified strength coaches on his staff, Cherico oversees the year-round performance training for all 14 Red Raven sports programs.

A Championship Standard

Under Cherico’s leadership, Red Raven Powerlifting has risen to become a dominant national powerhouse. He has guided the program to elite heights, with marquee achievements including:

 Back-to-Back Team Titles at the 100% RAW National Championships over the last two years.

 Team Championship at the 2026 Texas Tech Red Raider Rumble.

 Team Championship at the Horned Frog Collegiate Bash.

9 All-Americans

7 Individual National Champions

2 Overall National Champions for their weight class

 A growing roster of individual national champions, All-Americans, and record-holders.

Background & Credentials

Coach Cherico brings a deep academic and practical foundation to the weight room. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Bethany College before obtaining a Master of Science in Education (MS Edu) from Fort Hays State University.

He is a Certified Strength Coach through the American Sports & Fitness Association (ASFA) and is dedicated to fostering a culture of discipline, explosive power, and injury prevention to help Red Raven student-athletes succeed at the highest levels.