2017 Graduate of Distinction
Dr. Harold J. Frey
Class of 1942
Dr. Frey attended Penn State, where he won the gold medal in tumbling at the NAAU in 1944 and medaled in three additional NAAU events.
Dr. Frey was the gymnastics coach at the University of Illinois for 10 years and at the University of California for 40 years. At the University of Illinois, he coached his teams to gold three times and four undefeated seasons. He also coached soccer and led his undefeated team to the Midwest Soccer Championship in 1958.
At the University of California, he was selected as the NCAA Coach of the Year three times. His teams won 12 PAC-8 Conference Championships. He served as a judge for gymnastics at all levels, including NCAA and NAAU Championships, Olympic Trials, and International Meets. He also served as Chairman of the NCAA Rules Committee.
Dr. Frey was named as one of the 10 members of the US Olympic Team in 1944, but because of World War II, no games were held.
