Richard “Ricky” Aspinwall, a 39-year-old math teacher and assistant football coach at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, is remembered as a hero for his actions during the school shooting on September 4, 2024.
When a 14-year-old student opened fire inside the school, Aspinwall was fatally shot near the doorway of his classroom. Witnesses reported that he was attempting to protect his students during the chaos.
Aspinwall had joined Apalachee High School in 2023, bringing with him over a decade of experience from Mountain View High School in Lawrenceville. Known affectionately as “Coach A,” he was deeply committed to his students and athletes, often going above and beyond to support them both academically and personally.
In honor of his legacy, the Derek and Sarah Tiller Family Endowed Football Scholarship was established to support student-athletes at Wofford College, reflecting Aspinwall’s passion for education and sports.
About Ricky[]
Aspinwall was a proud "girl dad," deeply devoted to his wife, Shayna, and their two young daughters, Addison and Emery. He cherished spending quality time with his girls, engaging in activities like playing Barbies, building pirate ships, and having tea parties. His friends noted that everything he did revolved around his family, often organizing his schedule to maximize time with them.
Professionally, Aspinwall was a math teacher and the defensive coordinator for the Apalachee High School football team.He was recognized for his dedication to his students, always pushing them to excel academically. His teaching style was described as patient and encouraging, making complex subjects accessible to all students. As a coach, he was known for his mantra "E.A.T." - Effort, Attitude, and Trust - which he instilled in his players. He believed in building strong relationships with his team, often going above and beyond to support them both on and off the field.
Outside of his professional life, Aspinwall had a passion for sports, particularly as a fan of the Atlanta Braves, Dallas Cowboys, and Texas Longhorns. He enjoyed tracking NFL draft picks and had a fondness for corn and hot sauce.