Bechtol, a native of Coshocton, Ohio, averaged 39 strokes and 15 putts per nine holes as a senior at River View High School. He was a two-time East Central Ohio League Honorable Mention pick and was named to the Eastern District First Team as a senior after being an Eastern District Honorable Mention selection as a junior. He finished second out of 140 golfers at the Eastern District open as a senior, and he had a second-place and a third-place finish respectively at the Donnie Mathews Tournament in 2007 and 2008.

“We are very pleased to have signed Richie,” said MVNU golf coach Mark Stiverson. “He is a quality kid with a strong work ethic, and I think kids like that find a way to break into the tournament team. With four freshmen coming in, I think it will be much more competitive for everyone. It will be a fairly young team with kids who are hungry and want to play.”

“There are several reasons why I chose MVNU,” said Bechtol of his college choice. “I like the quality of the golf program, the relaxed atmosphere, and the good, caring staff. It is not too far away from home and it’s a small school. I will also get a quality education.”

The MVNU golf program finished the 2008-2009 campaign with a 34-54-1 overall record in a season marred with bad weather and injuries. However, the Cougars ended the campaign on a high note by finishing fourth in the American Mideast Conference Tournament.