Roland "Dodo" Larson

Astoria High School's historic sports program has had its share of athletes who carried unusual nicknames throughout their careers. "Honest John," "Lefty" and "Swede,” were just a few of the memorable monikers. But those names pale in comparison to the one that Roland Larson would bring into prominence on the athletic fields of Astoria in the late 1920's.

By the time Larson entered AHS, most of his classmates knew him only as "Dodo," a name that stuck through the years. Larson claims the nickname came early in his childhood when his parents would shout for him to "do this and to do that," around the house.

Larson was a junior when another noted athletic figure would arrive at AHS. That being, coach John Warren. Under Warren, who was just four years older than his first group of Astorians, Larson took part in football, basketball, track and baseball. Larson played two seasons under Warren's gridiron leadership. As a junior, Larson and his Astoria High School mates were 6-0 against high school competition. A 6-6 tie vs. Centralia's junior college was the only blemish on the 1928 record. Larson was an end in Warren's single-wing attack. Ends did most of the passing in those days, and Larson had a rifle for an arm.

All the kicking chores were done by Larson. The school yearbook, the Zephyrus, claimed he had an educated toe. When it came to punting, Larson did not have an equal in the prep ranks. Larson would etch his name into the Astoria High record book, maybe for all time, when he unloaded an 87-yard punt against Eugene High School in 1929.

His play at the 1929 state basketball tournament would not go unnoticed, as the locals came up short against Medford High School in the championship game. Larson, who had poured in a career-high 20 points in an opening round victory over the Axemen of Eugene High School, was rewarded with a spot on the All-Tournament 1st team. He was the first of seven Warren cagers to gain 1st team all-tourney status.

Extra-curricular high school activities always appealed to Larson. In the senior play, "The Whole Towns Talking", he played the part of the taxi driver. A midyear graduate, Larson was president of the January Class of 1930.

Larson entered the University of Oregon where he reaggravated an old hip injury as a Duck football prospect, ending his dreams of continuing on the gridiron.

Having to give up the sport, Larson transferred to Oregon State University where he entered the engineering program. At Corvallis, Larson turned to track for an athletic outlet. He quickly lettered as a javelin thrower for the Beavers.