For over 50 years Track and Field and Cross Country have been a big part of Larry Parker’s life.
From his days as a state qualifier and school record holder in Track and a state Mile Team Race and state meet qualifier in Cross Country while at Grinnell High School; to being a 4 year letter winner at Central College, Larry was an outstanding athlete who went on to become an outstanding teacher and coach, and now a Hall of Fame official.
Larry retired from Nevada High School in 2005 after 27 years as a Life Science teacher, 26 years as the Head Boys Track coach and 25 years as the Head Cross Country coach.
Larry is still involved with Nevada Track and Field and Cross Country, working as meet manager of their home meets.
At the urging of IATC Hall of Fame coach, Denny White, Larry became a member of the IATO and began officiating indoor and outdoor meets around the state after he retired.
Larry has been an official at the Drake Relays and the state track and field championships since retiring; officiates at indoor and outdoor meets at Iowa State and the University of Iowa on a regular basis and has worked at several Division 1 and Division 3 regional or championship meets across the state.
Larry is a Past President of the IATC and currently serves as a Regional Representative for the IATO.
Larry and his wife Deb recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. They have 3 children, Christi, Mike and Craig and 7 grandchildren.