University of Minnesota Athletics
Frank "Butch" Larson
9/10/2007 12:00:00 AM | Athletics
| Frank "Butch" Larson Class of 2006 Football 1932-34 |
Described as one of the most daring ends to ever suit up for the Golden Gophers, Butch Larson dominated his position in becoming only the fourth player in Minnesota history to be a two-time All-America selection. Former All-American and then end position coach for the Gophers, Bert Baston, said of Larson: “I have never seen any end play such consistently brilliant football as Butch Larson .... I don’t know where he gets his tricks. They are things no coach can teach. They are the touches of genius that a man must find for himself.” Larson had an uncanny habit of finding himself in the right place at the right time and always hit hard. Larson was the perfect end on offense as well. His covering of punts was flawless and his blocking on the tackle or down the field put him in charge of every situation.
Larson’s consistency and leadership was a key in the Golden Gophers’ back-to-back undefeated seasons in 1933 and 1934 and their first national championship in 1934. Minnesota shut out four of their eight opponents during the title run and held the opposition to a meager 4.7 points and 103 yards per game. Elected the 1934 team’s alternate captain, Larson was selected to have his picture on the Wheaties box and to play in the 1935 College All-Star Game and East-West Shrine Game where he was a roommate with future President Gerald Ford of Michigan.
Following his playing days and receiving his BBA and MA from the University, the Duluth native coached football at Duluth Central before serving in the Army Air Force where he received nine battle stars. Returning to Duluth, Larson coached Duluth Junior College (now UMD) to the National Junior Rose Bowl. In 1950, Larson coached the Canadian Football League’s Winnipeg Blue Bombers to the 1950 Grey Cup. He then went on to become a legendary Minnesota high school football coach, turning the International Falls Broncos into a state power. During his 22 seasons, he produced nine conference champions and one state championship team in 1954. In 1977, he was inducted into the Minnesota Coaches Hall of Fame. Larson has also been recognized as one of Duluth’s Top Ten Athletes of the 20th Century. Larson passed away in 1983.
M Club Hall of Fame
