Larry McHugh – Coach, Business Leader, Educator

The term “Coach” is a sign of respect and love for the man who became synonymous with high school football in Connecticut. Larry coached the Xavier Falcons in Middletown to a record of 152-36-6 over 20 years, with unbeaten teams 3 years and a 34 game winning streak at one point. Coach McHugh was inducted into the Connecticut High School Coaches Association in 1984 and a year later was given the highest honor by the Connecticut Sports Writers Association: a Gold Key.

Photo by Catherine Avalone – New Haven Register

 

Perhaps the most outward honor of his coaching achievements was the dedication of the field at Xavier High School in Larry’s name in 2014. At the event, McHugh stated, “It’s has been 21 great years. Coaching is a fantastic profession. Coaches are the unsung heroes in our country and being involved in athletics has meant meeting a lot of great people… great coaches and great kids.”

“Coach” extended beyond the field because Larry was also teaching life lessons: Discipline-Passion-Commitment-Work Ethic-Teamwork.

While Larry McHugh is best known for his football coaching success at Xavier High School, he left his mark in many other ways, including education. He served for 26 years on the board of the Connecticut State University System, more than half that time as chair.

In honor of his dedication to the Connecticut State University system, a hall at UCONN was dedicated in Larry’s name.

Larry McHugh, chairman emeritus of the board of trustees, spoke at the ceremony held on the Student Union Mall to name the former Laurel Hall in his honor on May 2, 2018. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)


 

Business Leader
After retiring from coaching in 1983, Larry began his second career as President of the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce. At the time he took over, there were 282 members. When he retired from this position in 2023, there were about 2,000 members. The Chamber provides over 30 committees and has countless programs, promotes tourism, supports economic development, leads local events and engages young entrepreneurs – all part of the culture of the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce.

Photo by William De Kine

 
The Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce office building on Main Street in Middletown now bears Larry’s name as a dedication to his achievements with the organization.

An eternal optimist, Larry’s famous catchphrase is “The Sun Always Shines in Middlesex County”