Class of 1995

Larry Gassen
Downers Grove South, Coach-Contributor

Larry began his career at Downers Grove North High School, wrestling for Hall of Famer Bill Walker. He played football at Illinois State, where he lettered for 3 years and as a senior was named Captain and Most Valuable Player. As a graduate assistant in 1964, he received his MA. years

His teaching-coaching career began at Crete-Monee, where he coached football and Wrestling for 2 before moving to Downers Grove South. At Downers Grove South, he has been the Varsity Coach for 13 years and an assistant for 15 years. He has also helped in football for 16 years, and is presently coaching girl's track. As Varsity Coach his teams won 162 duals; with 25 regional champions; 6 sectional champions; and 16 State Qualifiers, 6 of which were All State, with 1 being Champion. years. He officiated for 5 years and has served as an assistant at the State Dual Championships Head Table for 5 He is a lifetime member of the IWCOA, serving as Treasurer for 12 years. He has been a host for IWCOA clinics 5 times. He was named a Friend of Wrestling in 1990. For his work state-wide, he was named Man of the Year in 1993.