The oldest living member of NIU’s All-Century team passed away Sept. 5, 2001.

Curtis “Tego” Larsen, born in 1913, became known as one of the finest football guards under Coach George “Chick” Evans’ 25-year tenure. After lettering in football for three seasons, as a senior he went on to captain NIU’s 6-1-1 Little 19 Conference Champions. Following NIU, Larsen served in the US Army during World War II before making a 39-year career of coaching both football and golf.

The football star who was born and raised in DeKalb, was recognized as an Illinois Intercollegiate Athletic Conference player of the year, two-time all-IIAC, and played service ball at Fort Knox. Being a member of the All-century team meant that he was one of the top NIU football players between 1899 and 1999.

His funeral was Sept. 6, 2001 in Arlington Heights at the Glueckert Funeral Home.