Frank Newman nearly passed up an opportunity to join Loyola’s track team. In fact, he did the first time around.
A Metairie High School standout, Newman was looking at offers from the top track schools in the country. When he was given the opportunity to join the Wolfpack in 1951, he declined.
However, in a twist of fate Newman lost his father around the same time. He decided he wanted to stay close to his family, so he accepted. Newman soon discovered that he had joined a competitive team.
“I was very fortunate,” Newman said. “When I got here it seemed like the best place, and 50 years later I’m still running with guys on the team.”
The newly-acquired member of the Wolfpack went to work right away. The outnumbered team pulled off upsets against top schools and soon established themselves as a
top contender. In 1954, Loyola was ranked the top track team in the Deep South and some even heralded the team as the best “East of the Mississippi,” with wins over Alabama, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Florida State, Miami and Houston.
“Honestly, we had it our mind that we were going to win,” Newman said. “We were always positive going into meets.”
He lettered all four years at Loyola as a sprinter and in his senior year was named the school’s outstanding athlete in track. While at Loyola, the Wolfpack won numerous meets and relays.
His speed out of the blocks earned him a starting role in all relays. As a team member he holds Loyola relay records in the mile, 440, 880 and sprint medley.
Newman was considered the most versatile runner of his time, running with equal ability in the 100, 220, 440 and relay legs.
Newman never ran professionally because, as he said, “very few go on.” Instead he went into active duty and “never looked back.”
“I was meant to be a soldier,” he said.
Upon graduation, Newman served in the Army for 26 years including a tour in Vietnam. He retired in 1980 with the rank of lieutenant colonel.
After his retirement, he commanded ROTC units at several New Orleans Parish schools.
Newman still runs to this day, competing in senior track leagues with last year’s Hall of Fame inductee and former teammate
Sam Ascani. Newman holds many New Orleans senior records, including bests in the 50 and 100-meter dash.
Newman resides in Metairie with his wife and seven children. Many of his chilren have gone on to carry his athletic legacy.
One of his daughters played college volleyball and one son played college baseball.
Newman says he still watches Loyola athletics and looks forward to seeing the Wolfpack build up its sports program by acknowledging the newly established athletic scholarships.
The Hall of Fame events begin on Saturday, Feb. 19 with the Loyola men’s and women’s basketball games. Loyola’s women’s team competes against Belhaven College at 1 p.m., and the men’s basketball team plays Belhaven at 3 p.m.
An informal Hall of Fame presentation will take place during the men’s homecoming half-time. The Hall of Fame reception honoring the inductees begins at 5 p.m. in the Danna Center Lounge, and the Hall of Fame Induction ceremony begins at 6 p.m. in the St. Charles Room of the Danna Center.
In addition to Newman, Loyola will induct Ann Bee, Bobby “Blackie” Rehm, Sidney “Tiger” Wade and the 1957-58 men’s basketball team.
Michael Nissman can be reached at [email protected].
