Larry Price, a well-known University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa scholar-athlete, coach, and supporter of the university, died on March 27 at the age of 91.
Price was recognized as a leader on the football field at UH Mānoa. He is the only player in program history to be elected team captain three years in a row from 1962 to 1964. He was later named one of the greatest players in school history and selected for the program’s all-time team. Price also received the title “Rainbow of the Decade” for the 1960s. In addition to his college career, he played in three Hula Bowl games and signed as a free agent with the Los Angeles Rams.
After earning his bachelor’s degree in recreation leadership in 1967 and a master’s degree in educational administration in 1971 from UH Mānoa College of Education, Price returned to mentor new generations. He served as head men’s volleyball coach from 1969 to 1972, resident manager of the athletic dormitory, and later head football coach from 1974 to 1976. During his time as head coach, UH became an NCAA Division I member and changed its nickname to Rainbow Warriors. The team also introduced the “Hula-T” formation and played its first game at Aloha Stadium against Texas A&I on September 13, 1975.
“I’ve considered all of the people I went to school with my friends forever,” Price said in a video message to the UH Alumni Association in 2016. “The faculty took particularly good care of me,” he added, mentioning Harold St. John as his favorite faculty member.
In addition to athletics, Price earned a doctorate in education from University of Southern California and completed postdoctoral work at Stanford University while serving as an assistant professor at Chaminade University of Honolulu. At UH he led programs like Small Business Management Program.
Price had a notable media career with KSSK Radio where he became familiar voice for many listeners. As television journalist with KITV4 he received national recognition for documentary work along with being known for sports commentary including his signature “katoosh!” call.
He remained connected throughout life receiving several honors: Lifetime Achievement Award by UH Founders Alumni Association (2016), induction into Sports Circle of Honor (1994), Distinguished Alumni Award (1989), plus life membership with various alumni associations.
