Charles “Shorty” Richards was and imposing figure at the tackle spot, standing 6-6 full of brawn and fighting ability. Whether on the football field or on the mound, “Shorty” excelled during his years in the purple and white.  As fine a leader as ever a Badger team had, he was captain of the 1933 gridiron Badgers. He was known as an "ironman" during his career, hardly ever missing a play. Richards had everything a tackle needs: size, brains and speed. On the mound, his imposing size was enough to ruffle the opposing hitters. Richards pitched when the Badgers routinely played professional teams.