Coach Larry Ivy, Inspiration To Many, Passes Away

Coach Ivy died unexpectedly on November 21. Heaven has gained an angel.

Courtesy Legacy.com

Coach Larry Ivy was born on April 1, 1951, in Corsicana, TX to Raymond and Marlene Ivy. Larry graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from the University of Texas at Austin. He then coached at Athens High School before he and his wife moved to Austin. The year was 1980.

There Coach Ivy would begin his 30+-year career at Manor High School. He served as the head coach of JV football, assistant varsity football coach, and head coach of the boy’s varsity track team.

Coach Ivy also worked “The Fun Zone” for the Round Rock Express baseball team, first as the assistant supervisor and then as the lead supervisor.

It was there that I met and worked with him. He was the assistant to Lloyd Ricketson, the head supervisor. I trained under his guidance and, later, served as his assistant when Coach Ivy was promoted to head supervisor.

He couldn’t appoint me directly because hiring decisions were made by the front office. So Coach Ivy went to bat for me, telling management that I was the right person for the job. I can’t tell you how grateful I was.

Courtesy: City of Round Rock

I worked at his side for the next four seasons. There I learned how to be a leader, just by watching him. Coach Ivy enjoyed everyone’s company. He literally adored his employees. He’d never order you to do something. Instead, he’d jump right in and show you how to do it — and do it right. His philosophy was “If I can do it, then you can, too.”

We’d talk about sports–especially about golf and Astros baseball–and we’d joke. At day’s end, he’d walk me out to the parking lot at Dell Diamond, shake my hand, and tell me what a good job I had done that day.

I witnessed many former students come to the park and talk with him. They admired him. They wanted to remain in contact. Coach Ivy was an inspiration to them and to so many others.

Coach Ivy died unexpectedly on November 21. Heaven has gained an angel.