Coach Wilson Bio

Coach Larry Wilson brings with him a wealth of experience from a lifetime of helping young people realize their potential. As a teacher and coach for over 30 years, he has made a tremendous impact on countless people, and success has been his companion at every one of his stops.

Coaching Career

Coach Wilson began his coaching career as an assistant under legendary coach Jack Neuemeier, considered a pioneer of the wide-open passing game seen in football so much today. From there he came to Utah and began an incredible five-year run at Murray High School. During this time, he served as the defensive coordinator on two state championship teams and led the Spartans to one state baseball title as the Head Coach. His 1979 team (22-0) was ranked #1 in the country and he was named the Easton National Baseball Coach of the Year. From Murray he returned to Southern California and Pierce Junior College, for a very successful two-year run as an assistant. He then answered the call of his alma mater, becoming the Offensive Coordinator in 1983 for the Southern Utah University football team as well as the Head Baseball Coach. His baseball teams reached heights never before seen in the program's history, as his reputation as a winning head coach carried over from his Murray days. In 1984, he caught the eye of Jim Fassel, who hired him to coach at the University of Utah. In addition to earning a reputation as a fierce and innovative defensive line coach, he also served as the recruiting coordinator, instrumenting perhaps the greatest coup in Utah football history when he helped bring Scott Mitchell to the Utes from BYU's backyard. In 1987 it was time to return to the more family-friendly atmosphere of high school. He began a long career at Highland High School where he served for several years as an Offensive and Defensive coordinator on teams who never failed to make the playoffs. His 1989 defensive line produced three Division-I football players, including two who played in the NFL. He also spent time as a Head Softball Coach, gaining national acclaim with Top-5 finishes at Nationals with his summer travel team, the Bullets, and leading Hillcrest High School to the state title game. After spending one year as the Head Sophomore Coach (undefeated) at Highland, he was given the reins at the varsity level. In 5 seasons, he made the playoffs every year and won three region titles. Among these teams were two state semi-finalists and one state finalist. Following his success at Highland, he spent one year as a football coach at Ricks College before the school dropped its athletic programs, and spent one year as the Defensive Coordinator at Murray High School, helping the downtrodden program to a Region title and playoff berth. He has also been an integral part of the renowned Highland Rugby program for over 15 years, and currently serves as Associate Head Coach and Director of Rugby Operations. The program has an astounding 19 National Titles in the last 24 years.
He has developed many All-State and Academic All-State athletes, as well as a Utah Mr. Football, three HS All-Americans, and two college All-Americans. In addition, he has helped send five of his former high school players to the NFL. He has assisted countless young men and young women in getting college scholarship opportunities for their athletic, as well as academic, prowess.

Personal

Coach Wilson is a native of Granada Hills, CA, where he graduated from Granada Hills High School. From there he went on to a successful athletic and academic career at Southern Utah State College (now SUU), where he met his wife. He loves the outdoors. He is an avid golfer, fly-fisherman, and snowmobiler and loves to travel and experience new places.
Coach Wilson is very passionate about family. He has been married to Wendy for 37 years and has three children: Kim (34), Jeff(32), and Jami (32). He also has three grandchildren (Rylee, Luke, and Warren) and another one on the way.