Rich Dellaca was born October 7, 1956 in Des Moines Iowa to Frank and Bonnie Dellaca. Along with his older brother, David, and his younger sister, Barb, Rich grew up in Norwoodville, just north of Des Moines. Rich was a 1974 Graduate of Saydel High School with a passion for sports. As it turned out, his high school athletic career was very much like his entire life-he began as a scrawny, third-string wrestler and through lots of hard work and an enduring "nothing's impossible" attitude, he competed for conference and district championships as a senior.

Rich dreamed of being a high school teacher and coach, but his dreams did not come quickly or easily. Before ever teaching his first class of coaching his first practice, he spent hours waxing the classroom and gymnasium floor at Saydel as a full-time custodian-a job he needed to help support his young family and put himself through college. Finally, after years of part-time schedules and interruptions, Rich graduated from Iowa State.

Rich taught industrial technology and science classes at Saydel, Eagle Grove, Crystal Lake, SE Polk and Winterset High Schools. While a first-year teacher and coach at Saydel, he founded the Saydel Alumni Softball Tournament (SAST), which brought together Saydel alumni each year and raised thousands of dollars for the school's athletic programs. His coaching career included head coaching position in girls' track, cross country, volleyball and softball, but his love was the wrestling mat and football field. He welcomed the opportunity and challenge of being the first head football coach ever at Des Moines Christian School. He loved to coach his athletes and they all loved to be coached by Rich.

Rich married Connie on March 11, 1989. They brought together five children who, through lots of patience and love became a family. Katy, Andy, Nicole, Mindy and Abby share their dad's life, his passion to compete and strive for success. Rich was proud of his kids and they were proud to be his kids.

Rich and Connie enjoyed spending time together, whether at the fitness center, running, biking, at local pubs or the Summerset Winery. Although their nights ended early, their day always started the same, up before dawn, sharing conversation at the kitchen table and exercising together.

Rich had a zeal for life-he was not one to sit still or stand by. He loved his wife, his family, his students and his team. And he had a strong, unwavering love for God, who he thanked everyday for giving him his gifts and opportunities.  

 Rich died in a car accident on January 7, 2004. He is missed every day.  We want his memory to live, love and inspire by honoring him with one of his true passions!