Adams State University

Longtime Director of Athletics and former Men's Basketball Coach Larry Mortensen was a staple in the Grizzly Athletics Department.

He assumed the Director of Athletics role for the Grizzlies in 2007 while simultaneously coaching the men's basketball team.  The Athletic Department grew tremendously during Mortensen's tenure, expanding from 14 to 21 NCAA varsity sports and increasing from 350 to over 650 student-athletes. 

The athletic facilities have also been completely renovated and updated under Mortensen's leadership, with the renovation of Plachy Hall and addition of a state-of-the-art weight room, locker rooms, and a new training room.  Additionally, Rex Stadium was completely renovated and a new outdoor track, along with an indoor track and field facility.

Adams State has also added a new baseball field, softball field, and soccer/lacrosse field in recent years. Mortensen added six sports during his tenure – baseball, men's and women's lacrosse, men's soccer, and men's and women's swimming – growing the number of sports offered.

The Grizzlies have had tremendous athletic success during Mortensen's tenure, finishing in the top-10 in the Learfield Director's Cup seven times, placing fifth for the 2012-13 academic year.  During the 2012-13 year, ASU also won the RMAC All-Sports Competition Cup.

Mortensen, who graduated from Adams State with a bachelor's degree in education in 1988 and a master's degree in education in 1993, led the men's basketball program for 12 years when he took over as head coach for the 1995-96 season.

Mortensen retired from Adams State in 2020 and is the head basketball coach at Centauri High School in La Jara, Colo.