Ricky graduated from JSU in 1995 with a B.S.Ed. in Physical Education. He has been teaching physical education and coaching the varsity girls basketball and volleyball teams at Spring Garden for the past nine years. He has also coached the Spring Garden Track and Cross Country teams. His many awards include: Elementary Teacher of the Year at Spring Garden; the Anniston Star Area Basketball Coach of the year, and The Alabama Sports Writers Class lA State Basketball Coach of the Year.

Coach Austin's volleyball teams have been Area Champions 5 times, Regional Champions 3 times, Elite Eight 5 times and State Runners-up in 2005.

As Head basketball coach, his teams have earned 2 County Championships, 6 Area Championships, 3 Southeast Regional Championships, 3 State Final Four appearances, one State Runner-up and the Class 1A State Championship in 2004.

 He is married to Dana Bright Austin and has two sons, Riley (5) and Cooper (2). Ricky and Dana are living their dream of promoting physical fitness and teaching and coaching together at Spring Garden.