- State College Area School District
- Distinguished Alumni
2014 Larry Ross
Larry Ross ’49, who passed away on October 5, 2010, was the son of Fred and Mabel Ross, formerly of State College. At State High, he wrestled; played baseball, golf, and soccer; and served as football manager.
At Lock Haven University, he played soccer and obtained a B.S. in Education. That was followed by an M.S. in Elementary Education from West Chester University and graduate credits at Lehigh University and Kutztown University.
High school faculty positions included Montoursville School District and Blue Mountain School District, where he also supervised student council. He founded wrestling programs at both schools and also coached baseball while conducting wrestling demonstrations for area coaches, greatly assisting them in learning the sport and starting their own programs.
From 1959 to 1964, he and his wife directed Pottsville Mission, providing spiritual, mental, physical, and social programs to anyone regardless of financial or social standing. They oversaw educational and recreational activities for children after school and summers and were responsible for setting up programs, directing activities, and assisting with fund-raising projects.
His other involvements included Little League Baseball (20-year team manager), Orwigsburg’s Midget Football program (organizer and 15-year game announcer), referee of high school wrestling and basketball (35 years), and director of PIAA District 11's Class AA wrestling tournaments (10 years).
He has been inducted into Pottsville Chapter of Wrestling Officials Hall of Fame, District 11 Hall of Fame, Blue Mountain All-Sports Hall of Fame, and Pennsylvania Wrestling Hall of Fame.