University of Minnesota Athletics
Frank 'Butch' Larson - M Club Hall of Fame
Frank 'Butch' Larson
Football, 1932-34
HOF Class of 2006
Described as one of the most daring ends to ever suit up for the Golden Gophers, Butch Larson became just the fourth Minnesota player to be a two-time All-America selection.
Larson earned a reputation for being in the right place at the right time, and always hitting hard. He was a key force in the Gophers’ back-to-back undefeated seasons in 1933 and 1934 and their first national championship in 1934.
Larson’s photo was on the Wheaties box, and he played in the 1935 College All-Star and East-West Shrine games.
After earning a U of M masters degree, the Duluth native coached football at Duluth Central. Returning from World War II service, he coached Duluth Junior College (now UM-Duluth) to the National Junior Rose Bowl.
In 1950, Larson coached the Canadian Football League’s Winnipeg Blue Bombers to the 1950 Grey Cup, and then returned to high school ball where he turned the International Falls Broncos into a state power: in his 22 seasons they won nine conference championships and the 1954 state crown.
Larson was inducted into the Minnesota Coaches Hall of Fame in 1977, and was recognized as one of Duluth’s Top Ten Athletes of the 20th Century.