LARRY “MAD MAX” MAXWELL
(Wood County)
His name is Larry Maxwell. But to most, he is “Mad Max.”
A 1965 graduate of Parkersburg High School, Maxwell became synonymous in the Mid-Ohio Valley and beyond at football and basketball games by cheering on Parkersburg South High School teams as the colorful “Mad Max.”
His spirit and enthusiasm for the Patriots is something he put on display for over 40 years. Along the way, he enjoyed seeing some of those South teams bring home state championships.
After serving his country in Vietnam, Maxwell returned to Wood County and became an English teacher at Parkersburg South. He showed his support for athletics early on by working in the ticket booth at Patriot events.
He created “Tutu Man” at a South basketball game one night and the student body went crazy. Several of his students had watched the Mel Gibson movie “Mad Max” and quickly labeled the popular teacher/supporter by the same name.
Principal Tim Swarr had Maxwell start the “Rat Pack” to support the various teams. A student later created a helmet with horns, based on a character from the “Dead Poets Society” movie, for “Mad Max” to wear. Among his many contributions during this time was running out on the field with the Patriot football teams while carrying the school flag.
His work and popularity as an instructor in the classroom was unmatched. One of his true pleasures through the years has been keeping up with his students and athletes through cards and letters.
Mid-Ohio Valley Sports Hall of Fame 