Larry Rawson, is a 1959 graduate of St. Mary’s High School in Waltham. Larry grew up in Newton where his work ethic formulated his becoming a champion miler who went on to finish 5th in the All New England Championships in 1959, in his first year of running and competing. Ironically Larry had been pursuing football at St. Mary’s until the program was abandoned after his Junior year when it was then Larry decided to put his speed to use by competing in track. Larry himself reflects on the meets at that time which were run at the Boston Navy Yard in the Farragut building on a somewhat primitive track. It was there he gained fame as a strong miler who went from St. Mary’s to Boston College where he ran for the iconic Eagles Coach Bill Gilligan. Larry’s work ethic and keen instincts for training and racing were noted by Gilligan who trusted and believed in Larry enough that he was allowed to train AND coach himself. Gilligan’s wisdom again shone through as Larry set the New England Collegiate record for the mile at 4:07 that vaulted him to national and international prominence on the boards and cinders of the New England area. Larry’s running and racing skills were also a key to the BC Eagles winning the 1962 New England Track and Field Championships. Larry further led the Eagles championship distance medley relay team to the 1963 Penn Relays championship a first for Eagle harriers. His running exploits formulated at St. Mary’s in Waltham were to continued through his championship years at BC where he was honored by being inducted in to the Boston College Athletic Hall of Fame in 1984. Rawson’s career did not end with his BC graduation though, upon graduation, Larry enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where his talents and competitiveness where again recognized as he was invited to compete for the USMC international Track and Field team. He made the team and competed internationally and nationally for the United States again showing his strong proficiency for the mile run in numerous elite meets. Rawson’s consistent, winning ways and aforementioned elite times earned him the prestigious Marine T & F Championship award, comparable to being a College All American. Rawson’s running career was interrupted during this as he was deployed to Viet Nam as a commissioned Artillery Officer. At the conclusion of his Viet Nam tour, Larry returned to civilian life and began an extremely successful career as a Wall Street businessman. His passion for the world of track and field and distance running particularly Marathons never waned as he maintained not only his T&F connections but also his connection with his home state of Massachusetts, especially Boston. Through a series of circumstances, Larry was asked to be a commentator for the Boston Marathon. This led to him being signed by ESPN to cover all track and field events along with marathons especially the Boston Marathon for both radio and television. Larry soon grew to be known as “The voice of the Boston Marathon and extended that career to cover such world famous events such as the LA Marathon, Chicago Marathon, and the renowned New York City Marathon. Larry Rawson and his meticulous and passionate account of the world of track and field and marathon racing became synonymous with the national and international athletic events. In addition to marathons, he has covered collegiate, national, and international events such as the World Championships and the Olympic Games. Larry is retired from the investment business but is still active doing marathon commentary and working for ESPN. He is married and they split their time between Naples FLA and Connecticut. I’d like to call Larry Rawson forward as the MSTCA is honored to induct Larry Rawson into its Athletes Hall of Fame.
Class: 1959 Inducted: 2020