In a significant move for the Pleasant Plains football program, the school district has officially hired Logan Larson as the new head coach. This transition comes after the previous coach, John Hambelton, stepped down following his eighth season with the team. Larson, a former standout player for Pleasant Plains, has aspirations to guide the team toward its next playoff victory.
Larson’s appointment was approved by the board of education on Monday. Excited about returning to his alma mater, he expressed that it was a dream opportunity for him. “Obviously, I was going to be super interested in it,” he said regarding the coaching position. “You know, just being my alma mater, there’s always that dream and wish to go back to your high school and be the head coach.” Larson previously took a job with Hall High School, where he finished the season with a 2-7 record.
During his high school playing days, Larson was recognized as an All-Sangamo Conference running back. In his senior year, he collected 1,071 yards and scored 16 touchdowns, helping the Cardinals to finish with a 9-2 record in 2012. Athletic director, Brent Grisham, believes Larson has great potential as a coach. “I think he’s very knowledgeable, very passionate, loves the kids,” Grisham shared.
Since its inception in 2003, the Pleasant Plains football program has struggled, particularly in recent years, as the Cardinals have not had a winning season since 2018. However, Larson remains optimistic about the future. “I mean, you look at literally every other sport out of Pleasant Plains right now, and they’re super successful,” he noted, emphasizing the need for younger athletes to engage in football from an early age.
Larson’s journey as a player and coach has been shaped by his experiences with top coaches, including the renowned Ken Leonard. Looking ahead, Larson hopes to build a strong foundation for the program, drawing on the talent in the district to turn the football team into a competitive force.
