Rick Reese

‘Rippin’ Rick Reese was one of the greatest freestyle footbag players of all time. An inspiration to thousands, he helped shape the sport into what it is today.

Richard Joseph Reese grew up in Fort Collins, Colorado. Already a natural athlete and competitor, he discovered footbag in the mid-1980s and developed his skills quickly. Rick’s arrival on the scene was explosive; his sharp and dynamic style instantly caught the eye of powers that be, including one Kenny Shults, the current freestyle champion of the time. Recognizing Rick’s inherent talent, Kenny formed a friendship with the up-and-comer that lasted for decades. With Shults’s experience and Rick’s natural ability, they advanced freestyle footbag with many new technical concepts and moves. By the late 80s, Rick became the poster boy for freestyle, winning the World Footbag Championships in 1988 for the first time.

Rick went on to win many freestyle events, both in singles and doubles freestyle. He won a second Worlds title in singles freestyle in 1996 in Montreal, Canada. He is a multiple-time World Champion in doubles freestyle as well. His freestyle doubles partners were Kenny Shults, and later Daryl Genz.

Rick’s outgoing personality also earned him recognition as the people’s champion. Well-liked by all, Rick led the sport with his razor-sharp talent and optimistic personality. He became a natural leader thanks to his iconic charisma and dedication.

Reese was not only talented in freestyle footbag, but also basketball, pool, poker, and foosball. Unfortunately, he sustained a knee injury in basketball that would plague his career. Nonetheless, Rick overcame this hurdle and remained one of the top freestylers for many years. He was also a champion in foosball and well-known in that community. As stated many times by others, Rick was simply good at everything.

In freestyle routines, Reese was known as a dynamic risk-taker, never hugging the rail for a win. When he competed, he went all out with nothing held back. This did not always lead to low-drop routines, but with Rippin’, the crowd always knew they were in for a show. More times than not, he hit his routines, but even when he didn’t, he entertained the crowd with his fearlessness and athleticism. For this, Rick held numerous top 8 positions during his career. Though his peak years were from the mid-80s to the mid-90s, Rippin’ continued to compete and innovate well into the 2000s.

Alongside Kenny Shults, Rick Reese helped create the Big Add Posse in 1992, a group of the greatest freestyle footbag players in the world. This original group included Kenny, Rick, Peter Irish, Tim Kelly, Dennis Jones, Dimitri Kavouras, and Joey Schaeffer. Each was given a nickname upon entering BAP. Rick’s nickname was easy; ‘Rippin’ Rick Reese had already been established even before the creation of the group. The Big Add Posse would continue to grow in numbers as the generations went on. It has become an over-thirty year tradition to induct members that have achieved a high technical level or mastery of the sport of freestyle footbag. This tradition continues until today.

Rick Reese has been highlighted in many videos, articles, and interviews. He was sponsored by various companies and individuals, and later sponsored numerous players and events, many times anonymously and out of the kindness of his heart. He helped run various footbag events over the years, and directed the popular Colorado Shred Symposium in 2003. With his sharp form, he was displayed on footbag event shirts over the years.

Even after Rick could no longer compete due to injuries, he remained a strong advocate for freestyle footbag and was actively involved in discussions about its state and future. Rippin’ acted as an inspiration for countless players, promoters, and organizers over the years. He is credited as being one of the kings of freestyle footbag, having invented many tricks such as Ripwalk that are staples of freestyle today. He was a direct influence on future World Champions Peter Irish and Ryan Mulroney, with the latter incorporating parts of Rippin’s sharp style into his own. Kenny Shults notably dedicated his winning routine to Reese at the 1994 World Footbag Championships in San Francisco, California.

Rick Reese passed away at the young age of 54 in 2020. He is immortalized as a titan of footbag and icon to the community and to those who knew him. For a lifetime’s worth of achievements, Rick was long ago inducted into the Footbag Hall of Fame.

Rick Reese - 1988 World Footbag Championships 1st Place

‘Rippin’ Rick Reese
1966-2020