Larry Hocker – 2009 Athlete

He earned four letters in track, two in wrestling and one in football, but it was on the mat that he earned his reputation and became the third wrestler to make the AU Athletic Hall of Fame and was named the Outstanding Senior Male Athlete in 1966.

He was All-Conference in wrestling and was named Indiana Little State Champion and Most Valuable Wrestler; he was also a team captain. During his senior year, he was undefeated and unscored on in dual meets, finishing 15-0 in the 123-pound class.

On the track, he was also team captain and set the school record in the triple jump, long jump and 330 hurdles.

Off the field, he was a member of Sachem Club and worked in the Anderson maintenance department. He earned his bachelor's degree in Physical Education in 1966 and added his master's degree in PE at Ball State University in 1972.

After college, he coached track and field (1971-74) and was the Athletic Director in Lely High School in Naples, Fla., in 1978-79. He also taught in the Mississinewa school system for 17 years.