Coach Wilcox '72 Pt. 2

On this episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz welcomes back legendary Benedictine football coach Larry Wilcox back to the podcast as he reflects on another remarkable milestone—his induction into the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame. With nearly five decades of leadership at Benedictine, Coach Wilcox looks beyond the awards to the people who made the journey possible, sharing stories of resilience, unforgettable personalities, and the countless players, coaches, faculty, and supporters who helped transform both a football program and a college.

Coach Wilcox opens up about the early years when Benedictine football fought simply to survive. From recruiting classes with almost no budget and coaching alongside lifelong friends, to building facilities by hand and navigating seasons filled with uncertainty, he reveals the perseverance, teamwork, and unwavering belief that laid the foundation for one of the NAIA’s most respected programs. Along the way, he shares hilarious behind-the-scenes moments, memorable comeback victories, and the philosophy that winning was never just about the scoreboard—it was about building men of character.

Looking back on thousands of players and decades of coaching, Coach Wilcox reflects on the greatest reward of all: watching former Ravens become leaders, fathers, coaches, business owners, educators, and faithful members of their communities. His story is a powerful reminder that the true legacy of Benedictine isn’t measured in championships or Hall of Fame honors, but in generations of Ravens whose lives continue to reflect the values, relationships, and spirit they first found in Atchison.