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Larry Price's enduring legacy in Hawaii's sports, media and education

A football star turned beloved broadcaster, his humor and heart shaped Hawaii's culture. Discover the life of a man who did it all—with laughter.

The image shows a distinguished alumni award poster with a blue background and a yellow border. The...
The image shows a distinguished alumni award poster with a blue background and a yellow border. The poster features pictures of the alumni and text detailing their accomplishments.

Larry Price's enduring legacy in Hawaii's sports, media and education

Larry Price, a well-known figure in Hawaii's sports and media scenes, has left a lasting mark across multiple fields. Starting as a star athlete at the University of Hawaii (UH), he later became a respected coach, educator, and beloved radio personality. His career spanned decades, earning him widespread recognition and numerous honours. Price first gained prominence as a standout football player for UH from 1962 to 1964. He played in three Hula Bowl all-star games and was elected team captain three times. After graduating, he returned to the university as head volleyball coach from 1969 to 1972, then led the football team from 1974 to 1976, securing a winning record in his first season.

Beyond coaching, he pursued higher education, earning a bachelor's, a master's in education, and a doctorate from UH. He also completed postdoctoral studies at Stanford University. His academic career included roles as director of the UH Small Business Management Program and a professor at Chaminade University. In 1983, Price shifted to media, joining Michael W. Perry on the morning radio show after the death of the station's top-rated deejay. Their programme, *The Perry & Price Show*, dominated morning ratings for nearly 33 years. Known for his humorous malapropisms and mispronunciations, Price became a favourite among listeners. He also worked as a TV reporter for KITV, wrote a column for *MidWeek*, and contributed to OC16 sportscasts. His contributions earned him six official awards from UH, including the Distinguished Alumni Award and the Founders Alumni Association Lifetime Achievement Award. He was also inducted into the Hawaii Sports Hall of Fame.

Price's legacy stretches from athletics to education and broadcasting. His work in radio, coaching, and academia shaped Hawaii's cultural and sports landscape for decades. The awards and accolades he received reflect his lasting influence in the community.

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