Somerset community remembers longtime football coach after unexpected death
A Wisconsin community is mourning the loss of the longtime head football coach of Somerset High School.
Coach Bruce Larson died Sunday at the age of 58. Larson had been head coach since 1999 and took the team to several state tournament appearances.
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“I didn’t want to believe it,” said student-athlete Owen Parnell. “He was a role model to all of us. He truly cared who you were, and it didn’t matter if you were a football player, hockey player, band.”
School District of Somerset Superintendent Mark Bezek said Larson’s impact went beyond the football team record.
“Bruce could go 0-10 every year and no one would say anything because he is the kind of person you want your kids to be coached by,” Bezek said.
“It wasn’t only about winning, it was about being your best. It was about being a good student, a good citizen,” said former Somerset student-athlete Andrew Leumann.
Somerset High School football coach Bruce Larson.
Larson helped the school win three state football titles. He was also recognized as the Wisconsin Coach of the Year and honored by the NFL.
“This is tough for our community,” Bezek said.
Grief counselors will be a Somerset High School on Tuesday for students and staff.
Funeral arrangements have not been made yet.