Larry Bates

Larry Bates, a 1976 DeWitt graduate, earned four varsity letters in wrestling. His success on the wrestling mat was almost predetermined as he learned his trade from his father (Larry) who was the state of Michigan’s first ever three-time state champion wrestler at Lansing Eastern in the 1950s. Bates was the second individual state champion wrestler in school history, and DeWitt’s first ever two-time state champion. He won his first title at 98 pounds as a sophomore. Larry then captured a Greco-Roman wrestling Junior National Championship during the off-season. A serious back injury sidelined him for part of his junior year, but he battled to a fourth-place finish at states. That adversity probably prevented him from taking home three state championships in a row, as Bates would win another state title at 119 pounds as a senior.

His dominance and demeanor on the mat led long-time Lansing State Journal sportswriter Bob Gross to nickname him “Classy” Larry Bates. He was all business on the mat, and after making quick work of his opponent, Larry simply shook hands and walked off the mat. On the way to his first state title, he pinned all four opponents at states, finishing the season 31-0.  His record during the second state title run was 35-2, and the team finished third in Class C in 1976. Bates was selected as a member of the High School All-American Team by the Scholastic Wrestling News. At the time of his graduation, Larry had a then-school record 114 career wins, as well as program records for career takedowns, career pins, most consecutive pins, and fastest pin – 12 seconds. He was a three-time league champion as well as a three-time district and regional champion, to go along with his two state titles.