Born in Lake Forest, Illinois, Larry Ten Pas attended Waukegan High School and was a graduate of the Class of 1952.

He was coached in high school by Illinois Hall of Fame Coach Ott Bay and wrestled for three years for the Bulldogs. He was a two-time Illinois High School Association state champion, winning titles at 145 pounds in 1951 and 1952. In 1952 he pinned all four opponents on his way to the championship.

After his senior year, he defeated the reigning Big Ten champion on his way to qualifying for the 1952 Olympic trials.

Upon graduation, Larry went on to wrestle for the University of Illinois for another Hall of Fame Coach, B. R. Patterson. While at Illinois he was a Big Ten champion, and placed third, second, and first in the NCAA Division I Championships.

He was named the Most Valuable Wrestler at the University of Illinois in 1954, 1955, and 1956.

After he completed his undergraduate studies in 1956, Larry served three years in the U. S. Army from 1957-59. He was All-Army champion in 1957 and 1958. He placed second in the AAU National Freestyle Championships in 1957 and in 1958 was champion. He placed second in the AAU National Greco-Roman Championships in 1957 and 1958.

Larry went on to Waukegan High School and served as coach for the freshman and sophomore team for Ott Bay from 1959-67.

Larry took over as head coach in 1967 and remained in the position until 1985.

During that period he coached seven state champions and had at least one state qualifier each year.

He also officiated at high school, college and the National AAU championships.

In 1975, Larry was inducted into the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association Hall of Fame and he was selected to serve as the Grand Marshal of the IHSA Individual State Tournament in 1989.

Larry was also instrumental in developing a grade school and junior high school wrestling program and donated his time for a park district wrestling program.

He retired from Waukegan High School in 1998.

He also has served the City of Waukegan as the 6th Ward Alderman.