The story of Larry Wilson the Coach began back in 1960. Larry was in the Army, and also ran competitively, qualifying for the 1960 Olympic Trials in the 100 meter dash and making it all the way to the semi-final round. Larry was encouraged to take up coaching by his Army Captain. Later, Philadelphia Pioneer Club Head Coach Alex Woodley encouraged Larry to coach. Larry appreciated the advice, but he still wanted to run competitively.
Years later, as fate would have it, Larry read an article about Leon Hill who started the Ambler Track Club in 1966 to provide his two children with the opportunity to run. Then, in 1967, Leon invited Wilson to become the Head Coach of the Ambler Olympic Club. For the full history of the AOC click here.
That same year the Gwynedd-Mercy Athletic Director asked Larry if he was interested in becoming the schools Head Track Coach to help a young girl, Marissa Smith, who wanted to run. And the rest, as they say, is history.
Larry Wilson will share this history with you in his own words in a PennTrackXC exclusive video interview with Don Rich. The interview will be presented in 5 segments posted over the next 5 days.
Enjoy this rare, personal glimpse into the life of a truly inspirational and remarkable man.
Larry Wilson Legends of Track Interview Part 1 of 5
Larry Wilson Legends of Track Interview Part 2 of 5
Larry Wilson Legends of Track Interview Part 3 of 5
Larry Wilson Legends of Track Interview Part 4 of 5
Larry Wilson Legends of Track Interview Part 5 of 5
The story of Larry Wilson the Coach began back in 1960. Larry was in the Army, and also ran competitively, qualifying for the 1960 Olympic Trials in the 100 meter dash and making it all the way to the semi-final round. Larry was encouraged to take up coaching by his Army Captain. Later, Philadelphia Pioneer Club Head Coach Alex Woodley encouraged Larry to coach. Larry appreciated the advice, but he still wanted to run competitively.
Years later, as fate would have it, Larry read an article about Leon Hill who started the Ambler Track Club in 1966 to provide his two children with the opportunity to run. Then, in 1967, Leon invited Wilson to become the Head Coach of the Ambler Olympic Club. For the full history of the AOC click here.
That same year the Gwynedd-Mercy Athletic Director asked Larry if he was interested in becoming the schools Head Track Coach to help a young girl, Marissa Smith, who wanted to run. And the rest, as they say, is history.