GENESEO, Ill. — A legend of Geneseo football is stepping away from the gridiron after more than 20 years.
Larry Johnsen Jr. first joined Geneseo's team as an assistant coach in 1998 before being promoted to head coach in 2004. During his time with the team, Johnsen racked up an overall record of 145 to 67, including two runner-up state finishes in 2009 and 2013. Despite all the accolades he collected over the years, Johnsen says getting to help shape his athletes into the best people they could be was the best part of the job.
“When you get into teaching and coaching, it’s about trying to help young people develop into adults, create positive habits and become responsible. Being able to do those things in Geneseo was a dream come true for me. We gave kids an opportunity to play for what I feel is the greatest school in America, and that’s pretty special," Johnsen said.
According to a press release from the Geneseo Community School District, Johnsen will continue teaching wellness classes and driver's education classes for two more years before completely retiring.
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