Richard Nolen graduated from Marana High School in 1979.  He played wide receiver on the Marana High School Football team.  Five years after graduation he was injured in a football game and confined to a wheelchair.  He continued to train as an athlete and became well known for his wheelchair racing abilities.  He competed at the University of Arizona and served as the president of the Wheelchair Athletic Club.  He also served on the board of directors at D.I.R.E.C.T.