Richard Hill
Bit of background, where you live, what you do for a living:
I was born and raised in Coventry until as a family we moved to Bubbenhall mid-way through my school years at Princethorpe, which was handy being so close. With work I have spent time living in Southampton, Ipswich and now Chester. I have always liked to move around and see different places, so this suits me down to a tee. I completed a BA Honours in Sport & Exercise Science at Coventry University. After this I decided to undertake a MSc in Strength and Conditioning at St Mary’s University Twickenham which I am due to complete this summer. Whilst this is going on, I am now working full time at Wrexham AFC as the First Team Strength & Conditioning Coach. I am fortunate enough to say that it does not really feel like a job, it is more like a paid hobby, which I have been striving to find since leaving school.
Age: I am 26 years old.
When were you at Princethorpe - years from and to?
I was at Princethorpe from Year 7 in 2008 and went all the way through to Sixth Form leaving in 2015.
What was the school like in your day?
School was great when I was there. It’s the classic, I didn’t realise how enjoyable it was until I left and now look back on it. I always felt very privileged to go to Princethorpe, the facilities, the teachers, the people... everything for me was great. I still find myself going back with my family occasionally for Mass on a Sunday, and I still get the same feeling I use to get when I was in Year 7. Every part of the school has it’s own memories, even the Science Labs.
How did Princethorpe affect the person you are today?
I blame Princethorpe for constantly continuing to develop my love for sport and competition, I have the sport teachers and Games department to thank for that. Success in sport had to be earnt and not just given out, that for me was invaluable. Princethorpe also taught me to explore so many different avenues, I just wish I had tried harder in Food Tech. Having a good understanding and not closing any doors through school, I think has been key for me in finding a job I wake up in the morning and look forward to doing.
What advice would you give to your teenage self?
Definitely to spend more time doing work at home. I didn’t mind doing it most of the time, but just had the mindset ‘just get it done’ instead of with quality. Also to find a decent barber instead of thinking getting a haircut was a waste of time.
Who or what has been the greatest influence on your life?
My family, but that is a given, they have always been there for me through thick and thin. My mum’s kindness and constant positive outlook on life has always kept me going in the right direction. My dad’s desire to do everything he can for our family and always driving me to go above and beyond in everything I do Mr Whitehead, Mr Vella, Mr McCollin, Mrs McCullough, the list is endless. Finally my two closest mates, James Hobbs and Luke Bromley who also went to Princethorpe, we are always in touch and meeting up.
What keeps you awake at night?
Not a lot to be honest, there are some long days clocked up in football so I do value my sleep.
What has been your proudest moment/greatest achievement so far?
One of my proudest moments would have to be whilst at university, achieving a sandwich year placement at Southampton FC working with the First Team. The fact there was only one position out of the hundreds of people that applied, made it a great achievement for me personally. Without this, I wouldn’t be in the job I am in now, as it is somewhat about the people you know and how you have impacted them in the workplace.
What’s your biggest indulgence?
Going to new places very spontaneously and without planning. I have found with the trips I have been on, the most memorable experiences have been unplanned. Just wing it sometimes!
If you had to have one last meal, what would it be?
Without question a medium rare fillet steak (Forge Kitchen). Without sounding like a TripAdvisor review... If anyone is ever up near Chester, this restaurant is exceptionally good.
If you could be anywhere right now, where would it be and who would be with you?
Somewhere cold and with snow, I do have a thing for North America although I am yet to venture there. But ultimately, it would be skiing somewhere with my friends and a lively après ski after.
Lasting memories of Princethorpe:
There are too many to choose from. The South Africa Tour was an incredible experience, spending time with everyone, which I never wanted to end. Miss Coccane’s form group in yYar 11, every morning turned out to be comedy gold.
Are you in touch with any other Old Princethorpians, if so whom?
I am still in touch with a few people, Luke Bromley and James Hobbs mainly, although they’ve selfishly both migrated down to London.
Is there anyone you would like to track down?
I’m always open to catching up with people and seeing how they’re doing.
