Larry Wright wrestled in high school at Canby (Oregon) High School and at Oregon State University, and won the 147.5-pound championship at the AAU Greco-Roman National Championships in 1960. After graduating from OSU, Larry returned to his alma mater as a biology teacher and wrestling coach before becoming a counselor and wrestling coach at Clackamas Community College. He coached Clackamas from 1970 to 1977 and led his team to eight Oregon Community College Athletic Association titles. Clackamas won the national championship in 1971 and Larry was named national coach of the year. He returned to Canby High School as principal and continued to coach wrestling at all levels.