News and Tribune

Breaking News

Related Photos

  • Our Lady of Providence High School athletic director Mickey Golembeski, right, announced Larry Denison as the new head football coach of the Pioneers Friday afternoon. Staff photo by C.E. Branham

    03-19 Providence coach web.jpg

Discussion

Add a comment on this story
March 18, 2011

Denison named Providence High School football coach

New leader was assistant for 17 years

By CHRIS MORRIS Chris.Morris@newsandtribune.com

CLARKSVILLE — The countdown to Providence’s next football game is 154 days and counting. But the countdown to finding a new coach has ended.

Larry Denison, who has spent the last 17 years as an assistant coach on the Providence staff, was officially named the school’s new head football coach Friday afternoon. He replaces Gene Sartini who retired following a 40-year coaching stint at the school.

Denison played four years for Sartini before taking his talents to Hanover College. When he returned to teach social studies and be an assistant football coach at his alma mater, his dream was to one day become the school’s sixth football coach. And that dream has come true.

“It’s still trying to sink in,” said Denison sitting inside the Providence locker room Friday. “I’ve been on an eighth-grade trip to Washington and found out Monday. The phone has been ringing off the hook.”

Despite being a member of Sartini’s staff and an alumnus of the school, Denison went through the same extensive process as other candidates, said Providence Athletic Director Mickey Golembeski. Denison said he had two interviews with a seven-member committee that lasted more than two hours each, and a then a third with Golembeski.

“It was quite extensive. I’m glad it was done the way it was,” Denison said. “I’m glad I had to earn it on my own merits and prove to the committee that I did deserve it.”

Golembeski said there were a lot of quality applicants who showed interest in the job.

“The candidates were very, very strong,” he said. “He [Denison] earned the job. It wasn’t just given to him. It’s a big difference.”

Denison said he plans to change offensive and defensive schemes, and will likely have a new coaching staff. He said he is already interviewing candidates. But there is one thing he will never change at Providence ... something that was instilled in him during his playing days at the school.

“Faith, family and football will always be the foundation of the football program,” Denison said. “I think knowing the ins and outs of the school and the athletic departments, and knowing the tradition of Providence helps. The coaches here have set the bar very high. I have high expectations to live up to but I am excited for the opportunity.”

Of the five previous coaches, two are in the Indiana Football Hall of Fame and another, Gene “Spider” Murphy had the football stadium named in his honor.

Golembeski said Sartini sent a letter of recommendation to the committee in support of Denison.

“Other than my immediate family and my faith, nothing has had a greater impact on my life more than Providence football,” Denison said. “I hope that is something I can pass on. I hope to have a positive impact on the kids.”

Sartini said Denison deserved the opportunity to be the head coach.

“Larry knows the kids. I knew he would get it, I just felt it in my bones,” Sartini said. “I’m pleased with the choice.”

Denison said Sartini congratulated him on his selection. He also said both Sartini, and his former Hanover coach, Wayne Perry, had great influence on his life.

“I am really looking forward to the opportunity,” he said.

 

Text Only | Photo Reprints
Breaking News
Twitter Updates
Follow us on twitter
Follow me on Twitter
Hyperlocal Search
Premier Guide
Find a business

Walking Fingers
Maps, Menus, Store hours, Coupons, and more...
Premier Guide
Popular Searches
Powered by Local.com
AP Video
Robin Gibb of Bee Gees Dies at 62 Protesters, Police Clash at NATO Summit Raw Video: NATO Protesters Face-off With Police Libyan Convicted in Lockerbie Bombing Is Dead NATO Chief: 'No Rush for Exits' in Afghanistan. Obama Pushes for Post-2014 Vision for Afghanista Raw Video: Demonstrations Ahead of NATO Summit Raw Video: Powerful Quake in Northern Italy G-8 Seeks Unity on Euro-debt Crisis, Iran Mary Kennedy Mourned at Private Funeral in NY Prosecutors: Trio Planned to Attack Obama's HQ Blind Chinese Activist Arrives in NY G-8 Leaders Hope Greece Remains in Eurozone SpaceX President: 'This Is Not Failure' Blind Chinese Activist Leaves for US Raw Video: Obama Greets Leaders at Camp David Big Job: G-8 Tackles Euro Crisis Raw Video: SpaceX Rocket Launch Aborted in Fla. Video Surfaces of Alleged Abuse at Kansas School Verizon to End Unlimited Data Plans
SEASONAL CONTENT