From Washington University Athletics
Washington University in St. Louis head athletic trainer and former baseball coach Rick Larsen passed away on Thursday, Feb. 6, after a six-year battle with cancer. Larsen was 65.
Larsen, a native of Tomah, Wis., spent 39 years as a member of the WashU Department of Athletics, including the past 35 as head athletic trainer. Over the years, Larsen has diligently served WashU's student-athletes by overseeing the organization, supervision, and administration of WashU's sports medicine program.
From 1982-86, Larsen served as the head baseball coach at WashU, compiling a 113-91-3 record and leading the squad to the first two NCAA Tournament appearances in school history.
He also spent time in professional sports as he served as the part-time athletic trainer for the St. Louis Football Cardinals from 1982-87 and the head athletic trainer for the St. Louis Stampede Arena Football Team from 1995-96.
Larsen graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1978 with a bachelor's degree in physical education and was the starting shortstop for three years for the Badgers' baseball team. He earned his master's degree in physical education from Syracuse University in 1981.
Away from the field, family was most important in "Doc" Larsen's life. He loved spending time with his two grandchildren, and enjoyed going back to Wisconsin to visit family and friends and to play golf and fish.
Larsen is survived by his wife Debbie, children Lindsay Pritchett (Bryan) and Brian (Mary), sister Cari, and grandchildren Brady and Connor.
The visitation is set for Wednesday, Feb. 12, from 4-8 p.m. at Bopp Chapel, 10610 Manchester Rd, Kirkwood, Mo.
A celebration of life will be held in Graham Chapel on Thursday, Feb. 13, at 11 a.m. with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the Larsen family has requested that contributions be made to the Rick Larsen Sports Medicine Fundat Washington University.
To share your condolences, please visit In Memory of Rick Larsen or mail your contributions to Washington University in St. Louis, MSC 1202, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130, and please write Rick Larsen Sports Medicine Fundon the memo line.