Over the past 42 seasons, Benedictine (NAIA - KS) head coach Larry Wilcox has established quite a legacy as the program's head coach. Yesterday, the school announced the his decision to retire in 2021.
That legacy, which started when he took over the program in 1979, includes racking up over 300 wins. That win total makes him one of just 13 head coaches at any level to reach the 300-win milestone. Wilcox is the second-winningest active head coach at the NAIA level and has won more games than any coach at a four-year college or university in the state of Kansas.
Wilcox led the team to the national semis in 1992 and 2001 and to the national title game in 2018. He also served as the athletic director for 24 years in addition to also serving as head baseball coach (6 seasons), softball coach (2 seasons), and golf coach (four seasons).
Wilcox was inducted into the NAIA hall of Fame in 2018 and currently carries a record of 304-153.
One of a handful of small college programs that is playing football this fall, Wilcox has led Benedictine to a 7-1 record in 2020. They have one final game remaining in the regular season, which will take place on Thanksgiving day against rival Baker (NAIA - KS). A win would secure an automatic bid for Wilcox and his program to the NAIA playoffs, which is set to begin in mid-April. Games for the playoff will be played on the sites of campuses, with the National Title game at Grambling University on May 10th.
In the release from the school, it is noted that Wilcox's intention is to retire in June of 2021. The stadium Benedictine plays in is already fittingly named in honor of coach Wilcox.
Please join us in wishing the best for coach Wilcox in retirement and whatever the next chapter of his life brings.
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