Updated 6/15/09

A 1963 physical education graduate graduate of the University of Delaware, Larry Pratt enters his 34th season as an assistant coach with the Blue Hens for the 2008-09 season. He will continue to oversee all the men's and women's throwing events.

A native of Glenrock, Wyoming, Pratt, 66 (born 7/1/41), captained the 1963 University of Delaware outdoor team to its first ever conference championship while setting school records in the shot put and the discus. He was the 1963 Middle Atlantic Conference champion in the discus.

He returned to Delaware as cross country coach and assistant coach for track and field in 1965. He compiled a 41-17 mark in his five years as cross country coach. He has over 40 years experience as a throwing coach.

While an assistant coach at Delaware, he has coached 30 men's conference indoor and outdoor champions and three women's conference champions in the throwing events. In addition, he has coached numerous school record holders.

He earned his degree in physical education from Delaware in 1963, earned his master's degree in education from Delaware in 1966, and earned a degree in educational administration from Nova University in 1976.

Since 1981, Pratt has competed in the U.S. National Masters Track and Field Program where he has compiled a record 234 wins and 18 losses. He currently holds the American record in the discus, for men 55-59 years of age, with a throw of 178-9 set in St. George, Utah in 1996.

During his Masters throwing career, Pratt has won two World Discus titles (Ottawa, 1982; Alberta, 2005); two National Senior Discus titles (Arizona, 1999; Pittsburgh, 2005); twelve National Masters Discus titles (Los Gatos, Calif., 1981; Wichita, Kan., 1996; East Lansing, Mich., 1997; San Jose, Calif., 1999; Orlando, Fla., 2000; Eugene, Ore., 2001 & 2004; Baton Rouge, La., 2002; Orono, Maine, 2003 & 2007; Decatur, Ill., 2006; and Spokane, Wash., 2008); and two National Masters Shot Put titles (Wichita, Kan., 1982 and Provo, Utah., 1993).