Frnka, Henry 1 1973-08-21

Henry Frnka, former Lubbock High football coach, reviews his career, with emphasis on his work with football in Lubbock and Greenville. He expresses attitudes toward his success, describes his football clinic and cites career highlights.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: Henry 1 Frnka

Additional Parties Recorded:

Date: August 21, 1973

Location: San Antonio, Texas

Interviewer:

Length: 2 hours

Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: Educational background reviewed, Recollections of Austin College, Opportunity to join Southwest Conference noted, Moved to Lubbock in 1926 and worked there, Recalls defeat of Amarillo in 1926, Work at Greenville reviewed, Won state championship in 1933, Anecdote on Blair Cherrytold, Worked at Vanderbilt in 1936, Explains origin of radio program, Move to Tulsa (1940) revealed, Team went to five consecutive bowl games, Moved to Tulane in 1946, Comments on subsequent move to San Antonio, Agricultural project explained, Oil interests discussed, Characterized Pete Cawthon, Review of work with Lubbock.

Tape 1, Side 2: Origin of "spread punt" cited, Denial of recruiting practices, Recollections of Lubbock-Amarillo games, Tells anecdote concerning the origin of a Lubbock athletic association, Relationships with Tech described, Speculates on "pride" factor in athletics, High school "workouts" discussed, Work with players' parents mentioned, Discussion of "Matador Club", Description of community leaders, Reason for move to Greenville and Vanderbilt given, Outlines "fullback trap" play, Beginnings of uses for moving film occurred in 1931, "Pop" Warner remembered.

Tape 2, Side 1: Recruiting abuses explored, Outstanding players recalled, Discussion of football tactics and plays, High school and college football contrasted, Work at Tulsa examined, Discusses college scholarships and grants, Comments on administrative environment as a factor in the success of a football program, Teaching as a factor in the program's success, Other factors considered.

Tape 2, Side 2: :Death of son mentioned, "Frnka pass" defined, Relates history of Frnka football clinic, Operation and philosophy of the clinic explained, Reviews list of clinic's clients, Career highlights examined, Mentions Tulane-Old Miss game (1948).

Tape 3, Side 1: Introduction and summary of credentials and career, "Frnka era" (1931-35) in Greenville reviewed, Comments on the nickname "Bull", 1933 controversial "trick play" recalled, Discussion of football clinic's interest in Greenville's 1933 team, History of football clinic related, Expresses attitude toward Vince Lombardi method, Views on establishing the "place" of football in the school curriculum, Expression of thoughts on scholarships, bowl games, and national championships, Mentions radio career, Past and present attitudes toward athletics and coaching techniques observed, Individuality in coaching explained.

Tape 3, Side 2: Blank

Range Dates: 1926-1948

Bulk Dates: 1926-1948

Access Information

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Recording Format Notes:

Transcript:

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