The Hall of Famer Next Door: Documenting Coach Larry Weber
Being a coach is a special role. You are a mentor, a tactician, and often, a quiet architect of young lives. But sometimes, you are also a legend.
When Larry Weber reached out to me for portraits to accompany his upcoming induction into the Washington State Cross Country Coaches Association (WSCCCA) Hall of Fame, I had to step back for a moment. This wasn't just a headshot session; this was documenting a legacy.
The Backstory
Truth be told, I didn’t realize who Coach Weber was just a few months ago. I stumbled across a comment he left on a ThurstonTalk article I had written about our local cross-country teams. His connection to Pope John Paul II High School was obvious, and he complimented the coverage. I thanked him, not realizing I was exchanging pleasantries with a titan of the sport.
I continued to follow the JPII Eagles through to the state championship, ensuring I grabbed photos of their athletes so families could relive the hard work and dedication. Shortly after, I received a message from Larry. He needed official portraits for his Hall of Fame bio (Class of 2026). I was honored, and we met at the team's training grounds: LBA Park.
The Resume vs. The Man
Talking with Larry as we set up lights in the woods was effortless. He has been around Olympia his whole life, cementing himself in the community. But as we chatted, the sheer weight of his resume began to unfold—details that make his humble demeanor even more impressive.
We aren't just talking about a good coach; we are talking about the record holder for the most state cross-country championships in Washington history for his classification.
Over the last 15 seasons, his teams have won 13 State Titles (nine girls’, four boys’).
His program has earned 26 podium finishes.
But what blew my mind—especially as a runner myself—was Larry’s history as an athlete. In 1985, he won the "Original Ultimate Runner Competition." To win that, he had to run a 10k, 400 meters, 100 meters, a mile, and a marathon—all on the same day.
He also holds the all-time Thurston County high school record in the 800m (1:51.7). He set that mark in 1975 while placing 2nd at the National Junior Olympics, and incredibly, it remains the fastest time ever run by a local high schooler nearly 50 years later. He also owns a personal best of 4:00.10 in the mile—missing the four-minute barrier by a mere tenth of a second.
The Community Weighs In
It’s one thing to see the statistics on paper. It’s another to hear how his peers, rivals, and media historians view his impact on the Washington running scene.
Keenan Gray, Editor of The Runner WA and contributor to DyeStat, noted the speed of Larry's impact at JPII:
"Wherever Larry has gone to coach, his programs have transformed into some of the best in the state, regardless of classification. Shaping JPII into a championship culture in just six years of the program’s existence is an achievement in itself and a testament to his dedication to developing kids into standout runners."
Even his rivals acknowledge the standard he sets. The Head Coach at Northwest Christian (Lacey), JPII's fiercest competitor in the 1B/2B classification, put it simply:
"JPII is an inspiration for our school... They give us a target to strive for."
Locally, Jesse Stevick, Head Coach at Olympia High School, emphasized that Larry’s influence goes far beyond the small school division:
"Larry has been a pivotal member of the Thurston County running community over decades, both as an athlete and a coach. It is impossible to quantify the enormous impact that he has had on the individuals he has coached and the larger running community."
The Official Verdict
Larry will be officially inducted into the WSCCCA Hall of Fame in January 2026. In a fantastic moment for Thurston County, he will be inducted alongside another local legend, Kevin Wright of Capital High School.
Joe Clark, the WSCCCA Hall of Fame Coordinator, summed up the selection:
"Induction into the Hall of Fame is based on length of a coaching career, service to the sport, and athletic success. Larry checks all the boxes. He has been heavily involved in the small schools, running district and league meets. He has had tremendous success coaching both boys and girls at Pope John Paul—and Northwest Christian before that."
Capturing the Visionary
For the photos, we wanted to capture wisdom, warmth, and the gravity of the moment. We used the trails of LBA Park—where his runners have logged thousands of miles—to frame him as the sage of the sport.
It was an absolute pleasure to capture Larry in his element. When you see the photos, I hope you don't just see a coach; I hope you see the history, the wisdom, and the incredible endurance of a true Hall of Famer.
Client Feedback
"Russell's running and athletic photography is exceptional. He consistently captures dynamic athletic moments with sharp clarity and remarkable precision. His technical skills and professionalism make his work a top choice for anyone seeking outstanding sports imagery. He communicates effectively and ensures a smooth, efficient process, delivering a truly professional experience." — Larry Weber, Class of 2026
P.S. Does your team need senior banners, media day portraits, or meet coverage? Whether you are a Hall of Fame program or building a new culture, I’d love to help tell your story. Contact me today to book your session.
