UW-La Crosse's Terry to Retire at End of Season
LA CROSSE, Wis.--University of Wisconsin-La Crosse head football coach Larry Terry has announced he will retire at the end of the 2010 season. In 11 seasons at the helm of the Eagles, Terry, 55, has won three Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) titles and led his teams to berths in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III Playoffs on four occasions. His retirement is effective January 13, 2011.
While at UW-L, Terry has compiled an overall record of 64-47 (.577) and a WIAC mark of 46-29 (.613). He is 88-70-1 (.557) overall as a head coach in 16 seasons, including six seasons at Ripon College (Wis.).
He led the Eagles to conference titles in 2002, 2003 and 2004 and was named the WIAC Coach of the Year following each season. UW-L made appearances in the NCAA Division III Playoffs in 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2006, advancing to the second round three times (2003, 2004, 2006).
Terry, whose father, Bill, coached both baseball and football at UW-L, has been associated with Eagles’ football for over 40 years, beginning as a 14-year-old ball boy. Terry became a standout kick returner for UW-L in the mid-1970s, graduating in 1977 with a degree in physical and health education. He earned his master’s degree in physical education from Bowling Green State University (Ky.) in 1978 and added his doctorate degree in athletic administration from the University of New Mexico in 1990.
“Throughout all of my years in the football program, family has been an important cornerstone,” said Terry in a prepared statement. “This family started for me in 1968 when my father first came to La Crosse. I was able to be around athletic greats like Dewey Stendahl, Greg Mattison and Craig Kusick Sr.
“It continued when I was a player with my own brother Steve and many close and dear friends like Mike Taake and Tom Gustafson. I was reunited with this family in 1988 and have been very fortunate to coach many great players. This family has been with me through good times and when the ball didn’t always roll our way.”
After coaching stops at Bowling Green State University (Ky.), John Carroll University (Ohio), and Ripon College (Wis.), Terry returned to UW-L as offensive coordinator in 1988. While a member of Roger Harring’s staff, the Eagles won eight WIAC championships and played in the national championship game on four separate occasions, winning two titles (1992, 1995).
Since Terry joined the Eagles’ staff as offensive coordinator in 1988, UW-L has compiled a 180-72 (.714) record and won 10 WIAC titles. He was named to replace Harring on April 27, 2000.
The Eagles went 7-3 in Terry’s first season in 2000 and, two years later, won the first of their three straight conference crowns. The 2003 squad won 10 games, the most of any team during Terry’s tenure.
Terry ranks third in school history in wins (64), behind only Harring (261) and Bill Vickroy (86). He is 13th in career victories in WIAC history.
“The decision to retire was made months ago and our current record has nothing to do with my decision,” said Terry. “I really felt like we would have a better year this season, but unfortunately, we have fallen short of our expectations.
“I am very proud of the character of the players in our program. I cannot take credit for whom they are. That credit belongs to the parents of these young men.
“I have always loved the daily competition of athletics, but it is the relationships, friendships and growth of our young men that will always be the best part of coaching.”
“Coach Larry Terry has been a fixture of UW-L football for most of the last 40 years,” said UW-L Athletic Director Josh Whitman. “His passion for this University and for this community is unparalleled. Coach Terry’s teams have succeeded on the field, and his student-athletes have achieved in the classroom. He has embraced the Division III philosophy and produced high-caliber young men who have left UW-L to become successful, contributing members of society. He cares deeply about his players and has been a positive role model in hundreds of lives. There can be no greater legacy. Coach Terry will be missed.”
Along with his coaching duties at UW-L, Terry has been the on-site coordinator of the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) State Track & Field Championships in La Crosse since 1993. His original duties at UW-L also included teaching in the physical education department.
He was also actively involved in the fundraising and planning of Roger Harring Stadium at Veterans Memorial Field Sport Complex, which opened in 2009.
The football team has a partnership with the UW-L Dance Team for the Rob Wagner Dance Benefit. The annual event, the idea of former football player Erik Johnson, has raised more than $25,000 for the Don and Norma Vinger Center for Breast Care at Gundersen Lutheran Hospital in La Crosse.
Terry has also led the Eagles as a charter member and the largest single volunteer group for the annual Neighborhood Clean-Up Day. UW-L has also participated in the Honey Suckle Day at the Oak Coulee Woods in Prairie du Chien to preserve the state landmark. The Eagles have hosted the annual Punt, Pass & Kick Contest with the La Crosse Park & Recreation Department for free.
“While I am proud of these ways our team has given back, they really decided to come to La Crosse to compete and play the sport they love,” said Terry. “I am also very proud of our accomplishments on the field, however, it is time for me to write a new chapter in my life.”
Terry and his wife, Lori, have two children: Kathryn (17) and Devin (16).
“I want to thank all of the players and coaches I have had a chance to work with. Mostly I want to thank my family. I want to thank my mother and father for being such great role models.
“I also want to thank my children, Kathryn and Devin, for loving UW-L football as much as I do. And to my wife, Lori, for allowing me to pursue the career that I love and for being so supportive of me always.
“I am proud to be a member of this University and the La Crosse community. We’re grateful to have so many great people help us continue to call La Crosse home. The support my family and I have received during my time here has been unbelievable.
“I want to also thank all the supporters in the L-Club and former Quarterback Club as well the community who have always had something positive to say.”
Terry will make his official announcement at a press conference, to be held in the Cleary Center on the UW-L campus, scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 1.
UW-L hosts UW-Eau Claire Saturday, Nov. 6 in its 2010 home finale before finishing the season at UW-Whitewater Saturday, Nov. 13.
In the coming weeks, the University will begin a national search to identify Terry’s successor.
Larry Terry as Head Coach at UW-La Crosse
Year Overall Record WIAC Record/Finish
2000 7-3 6-1, 2nd
2001 4-6 3-4, Tied 5th
2002 7-4 6-1, 1st
2003 10-2 6-1, 1st
2004 7-4 5-2, 1st
2005 5-4 4-3, Tied 3rd
2006 9-2 6-1, 2nd
2007 5-4 3-4, Tied 4th
2008 3-7 3-4, Tied 4th
2009 5-5 2-5, Tied 5th
2010 2-6* 2-3*
Totals 64-47 46-29
* Two games remaining