The former Mizzou All-American Michael Larson is now entering his sixth year with the athletic department. Larson serves as Assistant Director of Athletic Performance overseeing all aspects of the Mizzou Wrestling and Volleyball strength and conditioning programs, while assisting with other various Olympic Sports.Â
Larson has spent the last 5 seasons directing and administering the entire physical development program for Mizzou Wrestling and the last 3 seasons for Mizzou Volleyball. Larson has played a significant role in the 7 straight Conference Championships; 2 as a student-athlete and 5 as a coach, for Mizzou Wrestling. In his 5 seasons the Wrestling program has a 79-8 record, 4 top 6 NCAA finishes, 20 All Americans, 4 National Champions, and an Olympic Bronze Medalist. In his 3 seasons the Volleyball program has a 76-24 record, 1 SEC Championship, 2 Sweet 16 and a 2nd round NCAA appearance, along with 6 All-Americans.
From 2013-2015 Larson served as the Director of Wrestling strength and conditioning. While earning his master’s degree in athletic administration from William Woods University. From 2014-2015 Larson had a dual role as the Director of Wrestling strength and conditioning and the Director of Wrestling Operations.
A native of McKinleyville, California, Larson attended and wrestled at Cal State Bakersfield for 2 seasons where he redshirted, was a runner-up in the PAC-10 Conference, and qualified for the NCAA tournament. Larson then transferred to the University of Missouri for his remaining 3 seasons where he was a Big 12 Conference Champion, 3 time NCAA qualifier, and an NCAA All-American. In 2012 Larson was named the most improved wrestler and earned the most pin falls. In 2013 Larson was named the strength and conditioning athlete of the year and presented the Hap Whitney Coaches award, given to a student-athlete who displays dedication, commitment, sacrifice, and unselfishness to the team.
Larson is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NCSA).
Larson and his wife Alyssa, a former Mizzou and Tulane Track and Field All-American reside in Columbia.
Michael Larson File
Coaching History:
·        Aug. 2015-Present Mizzou – Assistant Director of Athletic Performance
·        Aug. 2014-Aug. 2015 Mizzou – Director of Wrestling Operations
·        Aug. 2013-Aug. 2015 Mizzou – Director of Wrestling Strength and Conditioning
Education:
·        University of Missouri – Agriculture (Bachelor’s)
·        William Woods University – Athletic Administration (Master’s)
