Early Years
Bethea was a standout for Ferguson High School (Newport News, Virginia), playing both offensive end and defensive end. He was a Parade All-American and a Group AAA all-state in 1973.
He went on to play for Michigan State University, where he started at tight end as a freshman. During his sophomore season he was moved to defensive end where he excelled.
In 1976 he earned second-team Big Ten All-conference recognition.
In 1977 he was the first defensive player named Big Ten Conference MVP since Dick Butkus. He also earned first-team Big Ten All-conference honors and played in the East–West Shrine Game.
Bethea still holds the school records for career sacks (33) and sacks in a season (16) and is arguably the greatest defensive end to play for Michigan State University.
Read more about this topic: Larry Bethea
Famous quotes related to early years:
“Even today . . . experts, usually male, tell women how to be mothers and warn them that they should not have children if they have any intention of leaving their side in their early years. . . . Children don’t need parents’ full-time attendance or attention at any stage of their development. Many people will help take care of their needs, depending on who their parents are and how they chose to fulfill their roles.”
—Stella Chess (20th century)