Legendary IHSA official Larry Wilcoxen (pictured above middle, photo courtesy of the Bureau County Republican) of Walnut, Illinois passed away on July 3, 2016. Below is a statement from IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson on Wilcoxen's extraordinary service and a link to more on the life and career of the only official in state history to work state finals in five different sports:

“The Illinois High School Association staff, Board of Directors and the high school officiating community throughout Illinois were incredibly sad to hear of the passing of Larry Wilcoxen on July 3, 2016. Larry is one of 26 individuals, six of whom are officials, in state history to earn enshrinement in the NFHS National High School Hall of Fame. He is the patriarch of one of the great officiating families the state has known, and served as an IHSA official with dignity and pride since 1959. His contributions to furthering the officiating vocation and giving back to young people in this state will never be forgotten. We send our sincere condolences to his family, friends and officiating colleagues during this sad time.”

To read an retrospective on Larry's amazing life and career from the Bureau County Republican, click here.