Larry Emerick was a versatile athlete during his Stivers years, competing in football and track four years in each sport. Larry was a consistent and reliable track competitor running the 180 Low Hurdles, the 120 High Hurdles, and the High Jump and was the Stivers number one participant in each event during his junior and senior years. It was football, however, that was Larry’s first love. He was the starting linebacker on the 1952 Public School Championship Team and earned honorable mention on the All-City Team. Larry was a two way starter as a senior playing offensive center and linebacker on the defense. His stellar “hard-nosed” play throughout the season was duly recognized when he was named first team All-City as a defensive standout.
Larry attended Miami University and participated in track and ROTC for one year. He left to work at NCR and spent the next 20 years in sales management in Racine, Wisconsin. He then became the owner-operator of the Riverboat Supper Club in Rome, Wisconsin, for 10 years. Later he became a baker and served as a Chief Steward for Local 695. Larry died shortly before his retirement in September 1999.
Larry married his high school sweetheart Bobbie Cost. They had three children: Toni, Dan and Kris, 10 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. According to his son, Dan, Larry cherished those years in Dayton and Stivers High School. Wisconsin, however, presented a new adventure that Larry embraced to the fullest. He spent 45 years working, raising a family, and getting the most out of life. He loved hunting and played softball well into his forties. He also enjoyed golf and water skiing. Dan also stated that Larry had few regrets in life. If there were any, he would regret not living to see his grandson Zeke Emerick make All State in football and baseball. The other regret would be not being here personally to receive this award.
