Larry Chester, better known as “LC,” enters his 10th year as an assistant coach for Kutztown University’s men's rugby program in 2018-19.
LC first gained his love for sports in high school while becoming a four sport athlete and maintaining great academics. LC participated in football, wrestling, baseball and track / field. LC went on to college at Indiana University of PA to play football but not as a scholarship athlete, as most may expect; LC earned a full academic ride. As a freshman at Indiana, LC experienced an undefeated season with IUP, making it all the way to the DII National Championship in Alabama. LC then transferred to Kutztown University where injuries sidelined him and eventually ended his playing career.
In 1998, LC began his coaching career at local Kutztown High School. LC's unique coaching style immediately was accepted by administration, teachers, parents and players. His athletes found success almost immediately on the football field, track and in the classroom. LC has always looked at the culture of a program as the most important component to help and sustain success for the athlete.
While spending 10 years as an assistant track and field coach and head football coach in the high school ranks, LC developed and now brings an extensive and versatile coaching background to the university level. He has coached track and field gold medalists at the county, district, and state levels, along with National and Junior Olympic qualifiers in the long jump, triple jump, and 400 meter dash. As head football coach for Kutztown Area High School, LC accomplished the most career wins in the school’s history.
Chester is the former (20 year) owner of LC Fitness, a local health club specializing in sport-specific training, and is the founder of The Elite Speed and Power Program. This program is a progressive strength and conditioning program that motivates and encourages athletes in their quest to become faster, more powerful, and more effective in competition. The Elite Speed and Power Program transforms our young rugby freshmen into faster, stronger and more confident athletes, each year.
LC has spent the last 20 years training several thousand athletes under this program, working with many successful local high school teams. LC also provided strength and conditioning services to various varsity athletic programs on campus of Kutztown University from 2011 to 2017 as their Strength and Conditioning Coach before recently accepting a position at Kutztown University in Admissions, helping with tour guide program and recruitment.
During the 10 years that LC has been involved with KU Rugby, he has developed a very intense and productive defensive system. This defensive presence has helped head coach Doc Jones find national success year in and year out.
Over the years, Coach Jones has noticed a huge change in his athletes. The physical and mental improvements in his players with having LC on his staff are staggering. Coach Jones looks forward to the players getting bigger, faster, and stronger in the years to come in their quest for a national championship in 15's and 7's. .
Coach LC, a native of Philadelphia, currently resides in Kutztown with his wife Melanie. They have three daughters: Maya, Jasmine and Sydney.
