People in Profile

Fred B. Larson, physical education teacher and cross-country and track coach at Fredonia High School, possesses an enviable rapport with the younger set. In 1970, he received the Fredonia High School PTA teacher recognition award given to a teacher “who not only excels in his particular teaching area, but who goes beyond the call of duty to help and befriend the students.” Coach Larson attributes his successful relationship with youth to mutual respect and communication. “My office door is always open,” he commented, “and I try to encourage my students to feel that they can contribute something.”

Coach Larson has nurtured an interest in cross-country and track since his high school days when he was named Pennsylvania Class B State Mile Champion during his junior and senior years at Smethport (Pa.) Area High School, his alma mater.

While attending Pennsylvania State University on a grant and aid scholarship for track, he majored in health, physical education and recreation. During his college years, the runner was a varsity track man for three years and a member of the ROTC for two years.

In 1962, he graduated with a BS degree in education and later went on to earn a master of education degree from Buffalo State University College.

He began his teaching career in 1962 as a general science teacher and basketball coach in the Newark, N.Y., School System.

In 1964, he came to Fredonia and has held his current position ever since. During the school year, Mr. Larson also conducts intramural classes in weight lifting and floor hockey. One evening per week, he teaches men’s physical education through the Fredonia Adult Education Program.

His Teams

At the high school, Coach Larson has earned the respect of students and parents alike with his impressive cross-country record.

He took over the cross-country team in 1965. Since that time, Mr. Larson’s teams have lost but one dual meet since 1966, completing seven undefeated seasons in eight years. They won the Buffalo State Invitational he only two years it was held, defeating 58 schools of all classifications. They have won eight straight cross-country since 1967 and eight sectional champion ships in the past nine years. Coach Larson’s teams have represented Section VI at the state cross-country championships five times and finished second at the 1973 championships.

Fredonia track teams, under the guidance of Mr. Larson and his brother, Jack, have been equally successful. The Fredonia track team have had five undefeated seasons in the last eight years, have captured seven CCIAC championships during the past eight seasons, and five sectional titles in the last seven years.

Cross-country teams averaging 50 members and track teams with an average of 80 participants have given Mr. Larson the opportunity to work with many youngsters, each with individual abilities and unique minds.

Mr. Larson, past-president of the Southwestern Zone of the American Association of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, currently serves as a director of this group. He is chairman of the Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Cross Country League and has been chairman for the past five years of the CCIAC for track. He is a member of the Fredonia Teachers Association, the New York State Teachers Association and is a life member of the National Education Association.

Born in Kane, Pa., Mr. Larson is the son of Mrs. Marcella Larson of Crosby, Pa., and the late Harry W. Larson.

His family, including his wife, Susan, and children, Laurie, Amy and Rod, make their home at 288 Chestnut St., Fredonia.

During the summer months, the coach is self-employed as a painter. He spends leisure hours jogging or bicycling with family members and wondering, perhaps, how he and his students in the coming year can best work together.