Larry Stonitsch
Class of 1990
Joliet Central
Larry began his wrestling career at Joliet twp. High School under the coaching of Perry Goransen. He was a 2 time State Qualifier. After graduation, he entered the United States Marine Corps where he boxed and Wrestled. After his service ended he began working in the Joliet area.
1967 found the Joliet Boys club’s Wrestling program, which had just begun, lacking a coach due to a death. Larry responded to the call and joined up with this club immediately and continued to be extremely active until 1978, when he began to follow his own son’s progress, however always remaining in the background and supporting the Club, assisting at the YMCA and Tournament.
During his active coaching years he had State Champions at the Junior High School level. The State Championship series was not started until 1970, a number of these boys later became High School champions or place winners. The number of State place winners Larry coached was numerous. During this time Larry was Also President of the Boys Club. Team Wise, they were State Champions once; second two times; third once and for Nine Years were never below 5th.
220 wins-5 losses-1 tie
* Member of original group of coaches that formed the Illinois Kids Federation in 1970
* President of that group in 1977-78
* Illinois State Delegate to National Kids Convention for 3 years
* 1972 he coached US Team in the first Pan AM youth championships held in Mexico City, US won the tournament, 7 champions, 2 2nd’s and 3rd of all 10 weight classes