Coach
Wilson Central
Originally from Cortland, NY, Laurence “Larry” Lash graduated from Virgil Central High School in 1965. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in Education 
from Cortland State (1970) and his master’s degree in Education from Niagara University (1978).
Larry spent 37 years teaching physical education for the Wilson Central School District (69’-07’). He coached at Wilson for 38 years. His impressive coaching resume includes: assistant wrestling (69’-72’), JV football (71’-73’), modified boys’ basketball (72’-75’), JV boys’ basketball (75’-81’), varsity boys’ basketball (81’-86’), volunteer varsity assistant football (75’), track (72’-73’), varsity girls’ basketball (93’-08’), modified girls’ volleyball (2 years), volunteer varsity field hockey (3 games), volunteer girls’ varsity assistant soccer (2 years), and varsity softball (75’-08’). Larry also coached for other school districts over the years: varsity softball (Newfane, 1994), varsity boys’ basketball (Newfane, 1986-1992), modified girls’ basketball (Tonawanda, 08’-09’), varsity girls’ basketball (Williamsville East, 09’-12’), and JV girls’ basketball (Newfane, 12’-present).
Larry has regularly demonstrated the highest level of ethical conduct, character, integrity, service, and leadership during his professional career. His presence has provided a strong, positive influence on student-athletes and fellow staff members.
Aside from being highly regarded among his peers, Larry’s resume is not short of honors and achievements. He amassed a 192 to 49 win/loss softball record, wherein he secured 9 Niagara Orleans (NO) League Championships (86’, 91’, 92’, 93’, 01’, 02’, 06’, 07’, and 08’), 6 Section Championships (86’, 87’, 88’, 92’, 96’, and 01’), 3 Far West Regional Championships (86’, 87’, and 01’), and 1 State Championship (86’), all for Wilson High School. Additionally, his Royalton-Hartland High School softball teams were the 2014 and 2015 NO League Champions. In May of 2008, the Wilson softball field was dedicated to him. He garnered 2 NO League Championships for Wilson in boy’s basketball (83’-84’ and 84’-85’), 5 NO League Championships for Wilson in girls’ basketball (99’-00’, 00’-01’, 01’-02’, 02’-03’, and 07’-08’), and 2 Erie County Interscholastic Conference League Championships for Williamsville East High School. Larry is a three-time Jack Ault Award winner for statewide contributions to girls’ sports, Section VI Coach of the Year (86’ and 96’), New York State Class C Coach of the Year (01’), NO Coach of the Year (07’ and 08’), Wilson Athletics Hall of Fame member (inducted 11’), New York State High School Softball Hall of Fame member (inducted 12’), Art Wojak Memorial Award for Sportsmanship recipient, and Nan Harvey Memorial Award recipient for outstanding contributions to the WNY softball community (05’).
Larry spent 8 years as a member of the Section VI Softball Committee, 3 of those years he served as chairman. He also spent 20 years (87’-07’) compiling and publishing the New York State Softball rankings.
Larry resides in Newfane, NY with his wife Patricia. He has a daughter, Lindsay, and a son, Bradley. Currently, he coaches for both the Newfane and Royalton Hartland Central School Districts as their junior varsity girls’ basketball coach and varsity softball coach, respectively.
