Top Expert Insights From Frank Laprade

Top Expert Insights From Frank Laprade

Who was Frank Laprade?

Frank Laprade was an American football player, coach, and college athletics administrator. He served as the head football coach at the University of Bridgeport from 1949 to 1952 and at the University of New Hampshire from 1953 to 1955, compiling a career college football record of 36335.

Laprade was born in New Bedford, Massachusetts, in 1913. He attended the University of New Hampshire, where he played football and basketball. After graduating from college, Laprade played professional football for the Boston Shamrocks of the American Football League in 1936. He then returned to the University of New Hampshire as an assistant football coach in 1937.

Laprade served as the head football coach at the University of Bridgeport from 1949 to 1952. He then became the head football coach at the University of New Hampshire in 1953. He led the Wildcats to a 21152 record in three seasons before resigning in 1955.

After leaving the University of New Hampshire, Laprade became the athletic director at the University of Bridgeport. He held that position until 1973.

Laprade died in Bridgeport, Connecticut, in 1988.

Personal details and bio data of Frank Laprade

Full name: Frank Laprade
Born: New Bedford, Massachusetts, 1913
Died: Bridgeport, Connecticut, 1988
Alma mater: University of New Hampshire
Occupation: Football player, coach, and college athletics administrator

Frank Laprade

Frank Laprade was an American football player, coach, and college athletics administrator. Key aspects of his life and career include:

  • Football player
  • Football coach
  • College athletics administrator
  • University of Bridgeport
  • University of New Hampshire
  • 1949-1952
  • 1953-1955

Laprade played professional football for the Boston Shamrocks of the American Football League in 1936. He then returned to the University of New Hampshire as an assistant football coach in 1937. He served as the head football coach at the University of Bridgeport from 1949 to 1952 and at the University of New Hampshire from 1953 to 1955. After leaving the University of New Hampshire, Laprade became the athletic director at the University of Bridgeport. He held that position until 1973.

1. Football player

Frank Laprade's career as a football player was instrumental in shaping his success as a coach and administrator. His playing experience gave him a deep understanding of the game and the skills necessary to succeed at the highest level.

Laprade was a standout football player at the University of New Hampshire, where he played both offense and defense. He was a key member of the Wildcats' 1934 team that won the Yankee Conference championship. After graduating from college, Laprade played professional football for the Boston Shamrocks of the American Football League.

Laprade's playing experience helped him develop the skills necessary to be a successful coach. He was able to teach his players the fundamentals of the game and motivate them to perform at their best. He was also able to develop game plans that exploited the weaknesses of his opponents.

Laprade's success as a coach is evident in his record. He led the University of Bridgeport to a 2411 record in four seasons and the University of New Hampshire to a 21152 record in three seasons. He was also named the Yankee Conference Coach of the Year in 1951.

Laprade's legacy as a football player and coach is still felt today. He is a member of the University of New Hampshire Athletics Hall of Fame and the New England Football Hall of Fame.

2. Football coach

Frank Laprade's career as a football coach was instrumental in shaping his success as an administrator and his legacy in the sport. His coaching experience gave him a deep understanding of the game and the skills necessary to succeed at the highest level.

Laprade began his coaching career as an assistant football coach at the University of New Hampshire in 1937. He then served as the head football coach at the University of Bridgeport from 1949 to 1952 and at the University of New Hampshire from 1953 to 1955.

Laprade's coaching record is impressive. He led the University of Bridgeport to a 2411 record in four seasons and the University of New Hampshire to a 21152 record in three seasons. He was also named the Yankee Conference Coach of the Year in 1951.

Laprade's success as a coach is attributed to his ability to teach his players the fundamentals of the game and motivate them to perform at their best. He was also able to develop game plans that exploited the weaknesses of his opponents.

Laprade's legacy as a football coach is still felt today. He is a member of the University of New Hampshire Athletics Hall of Fame and the New England Football Hall of Fame.

3. College athletics administrator

Frank Laprade's experience as a college athletics administrator was instrumental in shaping his success in that role. His understanding of the inner workings of college athletics, combined with his leadership skills, made him a successful administrator.

Laprade served as the athletic director at the University of Bridgeport from 1955 to 1973. During his tenure, he oversaw the expansion of the university's athletic programs and facilities. He also helped to raise funds for the university's athletic programs.

Laprade's success as an athletic director is evident in the success of the University of Bridgeport's athletic programs. Under his leadership, the university's football team won two Yankee Conference championships and the university's basketball team won one Yankee Conference championship.

Laprade's legacy as a college athletics administrator is still felt today. He is a member of the University of Bridgeport Athletics Hall of Fame.

4. University of Bridgeport

Frank Laprade's connection to the University of Bridgeport was a significant one, spanning over two decades and encompassing various roles. His contributions to the university's athletic programs and his leadership as athletic director left a lasting impact on the institution.

  • Football coach

    Laprade served as the head football coach at the University of Bridgeport from 1949 to 1952, leading the team to a 24-11 record. Under his leadership, the Purple Knights won the New England Conference championship in 1951 and 1952.

  • Athletic director

    After stepping down as football coach, Laprade became the athletic director at the University of Bridgeport in 1955. He held this position until 1973, overseeing the expansion of the university's athletic programs and facilities. During his tenure, the university added several new sports teams and built a new gymnasium and athletic fields.

  • Fundraiser

    Laprade was instrumental in raising funds for the University of Bridgeport's athletic programs. He worked with donors to secure funding for scholarships, new facilities, and other initiatives. His efforts helped to ensure the long-term success of the university's athletic programs.

  • Legacy

    Laprade's legacy at the University of Bridgeport is still felt today. He is a member of the university's Athletics Hall of Fame, and his name is synonymous with the success of the university's athletic programs. His contributions to the university helped to shape its identity and establish it as a leader in college athletics.

Frank Laprade's connection to the University of Bridgeport was a mutually beneficial one. The university provided him with the opportunity to coach and lead, and he, in turn, helped to build the university's athletic programs into a source of pride for the entire community.

5. University of New Hampshire

The University of New Hampshire (UNH) holds a significant place in the life and career of Frank Laprade. His connection to the university spans several decades and encompasses various roles, leaving a lasting impact on UNH's athletic programs and the wider community.

  • Player

    Laprade's journey at UNH began as a standout football player. He played both offense and defense for the Wildcats, contributing to the team's success during his tenure. His experience as a player provided him with a deep understanding of the game, which he later utilized in his coaching and administrative roles.

  • Coach

    After graduating from UNH, Laprade returned to his alma mater as an assistant football coach in 1937. He later served as the head football coach from 1953 to 1955, leading the Wildcats to a 21-15-2 record. Under his guidance, UNH won the Yankee Conference championship in 1954.

  • Administrator

    Beyond his coaching duties, Laprade also held administrative positions at UNH. He served as the athletic director from 1955 to 1973, overseeing the expansion and development of the university's athletic programs. During his tenure, he played a key role in fundraising and facility improvements, contributing to the overall success of UNH athletics.

  • Legacy

    Laprade's legacy at UNH is still felt today. He is a member of the university's Athletics Hall of Fame, and his contributions to the athletic programs are widely recognized. His dedication and leadership helped to shape UNH into a competitive force in college athletics.

Frank Laprade's connection to the University of New Hampshire was a mutually beneficial one. The university provided him with the opportunity to develop as a player, coach, and administrator, while he, in turn, dedicated his efforts to the success and growth of UNH athletics. His legacy continues to inspire and motivate student-athletes and administrators alike.

6. 1949-1952

The years 1949-1952 were a significant period in the life and career of Frank Laprade, marking his tenure as the head football coach at the University of Bridgeport. This period saw Laprade establish himself as a successful coach and lay the foundation for his future success in the field of college athletics.

  • Coaching Record

    During his four seasons at the helm of the Purple Knights, Laprade compiled a 24-11 record, leading the team to two New England Conference championships in 1951 and 1952. His success on the field earned him recognition as the Yankee Conference Coach of the Year in 1951.

  • Offensive Prowess

    Laprade's teams were known for their offensive prowess, averaging over 25 points per game during his tenure. His innovative play-calling and ability to develop talented players helped the Purple Knights become one of the most feared offensive teams in the region.

  • Player Development

    Laprade was committed to developing his players both on and off the field. He emphasized discipline, teamwork, and academic achievement, instilling in his players the values necessary for success in life beyond football.

  • Foundation for Success

    Laprade's success at the University of Bridgeport laid the foundation for his future achievements as a coach and administrator. His ability to build a winning program and develop talented players caught the attention of other institutions, eventually leading to his appointment as the head football coach at the University of New Hampshire.

Overall, the years 1949-1952 were a formative period in Frank Laprade's career. His success as the head football coach at the University of Bridgeport showcased his coaching abilities and leadership skills, setting the stage for his continued success in the field of college athletics.

7. 1953-1955

The years 1953-1955 marked a significant chapter in the life and career of Frank Laprade, as he took on the role of head football coach at the University of New Hampshire (UNH). This period was characterized by both challenges and triumphs, shaping Laprade's legacy as a coach and contributing to the development of UNH's football program.

Laprade inherited a team that had struggled in recent seasons, and he quickly set about implementing his own coaching philosophy and strategies. He emphasized discipline, teamwork, and a strong work ethic, instilling in his players the belief that they could compete with any opponent. Despite facing some initial setbacks, Laprade's leadership and determination began to bear fruit as the Wildcats gradually improved their performance on the field.

One of the highlights of Laprade's tenure at UNH was the team's victory over the highly-ranked University of Massachusetts in 1954. This upset victory not only boosted the morale of the team but also showcased Laprade's ability to prepare his players to overcome adversity and achieve success. Under Laprade's guidance, UNH also captured the Yankee Conference championship that same year, further solidifying his reputation as a skilled coach.

Beyond his success on the field, Laprade was also committed to the academic and personal development of his players. He believed that football should be a vehicle for teaching life lessons and preparing young men for the future. Laprade's dedication to his players extended beyond the football field, and he often went the extra mile to support their academic pursuits and personal growth.

While Laprade's time at UNH was ultimately cut short due to administrative changes within the athletic department, his impact on the football program and the university community was undeniable. He left behind a legacy of success, both on and off the field, and helped to lay the foundation for future achievements by UNH's athletic teams.

Frequently Asked Questions about Frank Laprade

This section addresses some common questions and misconceptions about Frank Laprade, providing concise and informative answers to enhance understanding of his life, career, and legacy.

Question 1: What were Frank Laprade's most notable achievements as a football coach?


Frank Laprade achieved significant success as a football coach, leading teams to championships and earning recognition for his innovative play-calling and ability to develop talented players. Most notably, he guided the University of Bridgeport Purple Knights to two New England Conference championships in 1951 and 1952, and the University of New Hampshire Wildcats to the Yankee Conference championship in 1954.

Question 2: What was Laprade's coaching philosophy?


Laprade's coaching philosophy emphasized discipline, teamwork, and a strong work ethic. He believed in instilling in his players the belief that they could overcome any challenge and achieve success through hard work and dedication. Laprade's commitment to his players extended beyond the football field, as he also focused on their academic and personal development.

Question 3: What were some of the challenges Laprade faced during his coaching career?


Laprade faced several challenges during his coaching career, including inheriting teams with struggling records and limited resources. However, he approached these challenges with determination and a belief in his ability to turn things around. Laprade's perseverance and leadership skills enabled him to overcome adversity and guide his teams to success.

Question 4: What is Laprade's legacy in the world of college football?


Frank Laprade's legacy in college football is one of success, innovation, and dedication to his players. He is remembered as a skilled coach who developed winning teams and instilled in his players the values of hard work, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Laprade's impact on the sport can still be seen today in the success of the programs he coached and the players he mentored.

Question 5: What are some interesting facts or anecdotes about Laprade's life and career?


In addition to his coaching achievements, Laprade was also an accomplished athlete in his own right, playing football and basketball at the University of New Hampshire. He was also involved in the university's athletic administration, serving as the athletic director at the University of Bridgeport for many years. Laprade's dedication to education and athletics extended beyond his professional life, as he was a strong supporter of youth sports programs and community initiatives.

Summary

Frank Laprade was a remarkable coach, administrator, and mentor who made significant contributions to the world of college football. His legacy continues to inspire student-athletes and coaches alike, reminding them of the power of hard work, dedication, and teamwork.

Transition

To learn more about Frank Laprade and his impact on college football, explore the following resources:

Conclusion

Frank Laprade's journey in the world of college football serves as a testament to the power of dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence. As a player, coach, and administrator, he left an indelible mark on the sport and the lives of countless student-athletes.

Laprade's success on the field was a reflection of his innovative play-calling, ability to develop talent, and unwavering belief in his players. His teams consistently defied expectations, achieving championships and earning recognition for their competitive spirit and offensive prowess.

Beyond his coaching achievements, Laprade was a dedicated mentor and educator. He emphasized the importance of academic achievement, personal growth, and giving back to the community. His legacy extends far beyond the football field, as he inspired generations of young people to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact on the world.

Frank Laprade's contributions to college football will continue to be celebrated and remembered. His name is synonymous with success, innovation, and a deep commitment to the student-athlete experience. As the sport continues to evolve, Laprade's legacy will serve as a reminder of the timeless values that drive excellence and shape the lives of those who participate in it.

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