Meet the Athletic Director
Gary is a 1987 graduate of Centralia High School in Centralia, WA, where he earned 9 Varsity letters. 3 in football, 2 in basketball, 3 in baseball, and 1 in track. Enrolled at Centralia College with a baseball scholarship, transferred to Eastern Washington University in 1988 to continue baseball and pursue a Bachelor Degree in Sports Medicine and Athletic Training. He Graduated with his BA in the spring of 1992.
After completing an Athletic Training internship at Providence Hospital, Gary returned to school and earned a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction in 1995. He began his career in education in the North Thurston Public Schools teaching Biology, Chemistry, and Anatomy & Physiology. Gary was an assistant football coach from 1995-1999, assistant basketball coach from 1994-2003, head baseball coach from 1994-2001, and head golf coach from 2001-2010. In 2011 accepted the Athletic Director position at River Ridge High School until moving to Lakes High School in 2020.
Gary has worked with WCD III and the WIAA to organize and host events. He first ran the 2013 WIAA State golf tournament at Oakbrook Golf Course in Lakewood, and now works with Andy Barnes to host 6 WIAA State golf tournaments in Southwest Washington. Gary has presented at the state WSSAAA conference and was published in the 2019 Fall Interscholastic Athletic Administration magazine for his proposal to recruit youth and high school game officials.
Gary currently lives in Olympia with his wife Danielle. Gary and Danielle have twin boys, Jeter and Ryley who are continuing their education and baseball careers at Lower Columbia College in Longview, WA.
Gary Larson
Phone (253) 583-5580 Email: glarson@cloverpark.k12.wa.us