Wayne State University Athletics

Frank McBride served as cross country and track coach at Wayne State University from fall 1958 through 1967 and also served as track coach on an interim basis in 1974. His cross country squads won four consecutive President Athletic Conference (PAC) titles (1959-1962). McBride's 1964 team claimed the PAC title and finished 22nd at the NCAA championships, a school-best placing until 2001. Overall, he compiled a record of 48-33 as cross country coach. His track teams won two PAC outdoor titles (1962, 1963) and finished second on three other occasions (1961, 1964, and 1965). Only twice during his WSU tenure, did his squads not record at least a .500 mark. In fact, his 1962 team went undefeated (6-0). As the head track coach, McBride had a record of 27-20. McBride also coached WSU Hall of Fame inductees Larry Fortner and Paul Jones. He also mentored WSU record-holder John Heller. Heller holds the WSU outdoor track records in the 800 (1:50.1), 1,500 (3:50.8), and one mile (4:10.5). McBride coached three PAC cross country individual champions in Charles Marble (1958), Fred Delcomyn (1960), and Fred Carissimi (1962). Away from Wayne State University, McBride coached 100-meter world record holders Ira Mutchison and Willie Williams, and Runners World magazine editor Hal Higdon. Following his career as an athletic coach, he served as the Director of Division of Health and Physical Education. He competed at the 1952 United States Olympic trials at the Los Angeles Coliseum and placed seventh in the 1,500-meters with a time of 3:55.5. McBride and his wife, Dr. Angela McBride, reside in Detroit.