Glenbard North chooses Larson

To say Joe Larson is comfortable with his new job would be an understatement -- the 1994 graduate of Glenbard North knows those hallways all too well.

Larson has been hired to become the Panthers' new varsity boys basketball coach, replacing Erin Dwyer who stepped down after two years at the helm.

Dwyer, who left the position to focus more on his role as owner of the DuPage Training Academy in Carol Stream, will remain with the program. He'll flip positions with Larson and become the assistant varsity and junior varsity coach.

Larson, a coach in Glenbard North's program since 2005 and a science teacher at the school, aims for a seamless transition.

"One of my goals was to be a head coach when I was in college," said Larson, who played golf, basketball and baseball for the Panthers. "And if I were to be a head coach anywhere, I'd want it to be at Glenbard North."

Larson walked on at Iowa and played for a year under Tom Davis. His first teaching job came at St. Charles North, where he coached for five seasons before returning to Glenbard North in 2005.

After serving as a freshman coach his first year, Larson was assistant varsity and junior varsity coach the last two years.

"He's got a great understanding for the kids and the program," said Glenbard North athletic director Branden Adkins. "We were real fortunate to have someone like him in the building. We feel real confident in Joe."

Next season the Panthers will return several key members of the 2007-08 team including all-DuPage Valley Conference guard James Fleming and Marko Govedarica, who will be a third-year varsity player.

"I'm very excited," Larson said. "It's a great honor to coach at the place you graduated from."