For 18 years, UBC's football coach also coached UBC baseball and golf. Known and fondly remembered as a mentor, provider and character-builder as well as promoter of UBC and UBC football. Won three Hardy Cups as football coach sending 17 of his players to professional football and several more to professional baseball.
Along with legendary UBC president Dr. Norman MacKenzie and Dr. Gordon Shrum, Frank Gnup was UBC's most recognizable campus figure between the years 1955 and 1976.
Gnup was hired by Shrum in 1955 to be UBC's new head football coach, as well as an instructor in UBC's school of Physical Education. When the two men first met, Frank was en route home from his steel mill job in Hamilton, Ontario. The two liked each other instantly, shook hands on a deal, with Gnup promising, "Doc, I'll never let you down".
Frank Gnup had played football at Manhattan College (New York), graduating in 1941 with a B.P.E. After four years in the US Army, he came to Canada where, in 1946, embarked upon a pro football career with the Hamilton Wildcats, forerunners of the Tiger Cats. As Hamilton's player-coach for four years, Gnup introduced several football innovations to the Canadian game. The Pennsylvania native closed out his playing career in 1950 with the Toronto Argos, but stayed in Canada coaching semi-pro football and baseball while working as a sales representative, assembly-line worker and a labourer with Burlington Steel. As the one usually chosen captain or coach, this "natural leader" seized the UBC opportunity presented to him by the school's master recruiter, Shrum.
When Gnup arrived at UBC, the team's record the previous two years under coach Don Coryell was a combined 2-16. The U.S. schools providing UBC's opposition offered their players athletic scholarships while UBC's players were those who came to school for an education first, football second. Gnup accepted this reality, doing his best to work within it, trying to effectively develop the talent available. His first years were moderately successful improving UBC's record in 1957 to 3-6, cutting down on blowouts such as 62-0 to more respectable scores such as 13-6 and 24-14.
However, when UBC moved into the Western Canadian Conference in 1958, the picture changed significantly. During the first five years in the WCIAU, the Thunderbirds won the Conference championship (Hardy Cup) twice and was co-holder a third time. UBC reached a milestone in 1959 when it played eastern champion Western Ontario Mustangs for the first, albeit unofficial, Canadian university championship. In addition, a large number of Gnup's players were recruited by the CFL, often with Gnup's help, a total of 17 eventually playing professional football. One player, Bill Crawford, signed and played for the New York Giants - the first Thunderbird to play in the NFL.
Gnup is revered for the pride he built into the UBC football program and the character he built in his players, both football and baseball. Many of his former players, successful in the game of life, harbour very positive feelings and emotional ties to their coach, remembered to this day even though he died in 1976. "The greatest man to touch the earth," were words issued by one former player when talking about Frank Gnup.
From the day he arrived on campus in '55, he immersed himself in campus activities. He participated in a wide variety of events, always counted upon to enliven a campus function. Almost weekly his face or a story would appear in the Ubyssey, Vancouver Sun or Vancouver Province newspapers, usually in an attempt to promote UBC football. He even had his own weekly sports column, "Gnuppermania", which appeared in the Vancouver Courier from 1969 until 1972.
Gnup's charisma can be traced to his sense of humour, individualism and absolute honesty. He was always forthright with his players so they knew where they stood. He bluntly told the young player that UBC could offer no scholarship, but could ensure a good education that would shape the player's life. He played the role of ombudsman for many students, cutting through red tape or using common sense. He also assumed the role of mentor and even father figure for some of his players, helping to provide shelter, loans and someone in whom they could confide. "He was the best counselor UBC ever had", stated a former player.
Gnup's office at UBC buzzed at all times with students, those he coached on the football, baseball and golf teams, plus media people and businessmen. Likewise, Frank and his wife Steffie's home would invariably be a meeting place for present and former players together with UBC administrators such as President MacKenzie, all treated to some of Steffie's canapés.
To many, the most popular event on the social calendar was Frank's Pigskin Party where he presented his self-created humourous and zany awards to each player who best exemplified the Thunderbird spirit - that of the importance of having a good time. However, Gnup was serious about football. "He worked hard at everything he did, from making trophies to planning his football program", recounted a former assistant coach.
In 1973, after 18 years, Frank Gnup was relieved of his duties as UBC's coach, confidante and provider of professional opportunities for his players. He continued to serve as a senior instructor until 1976 when he died of a heart attack at age 59. Since that time Gnup's name has been remembered through the Frank Gnup Scholarship for first-year student-athletes, the annual Frank Gnup Golf Tournament, his induction into the BC Football Hall of Fame and the Frank Gnup Memorial Award presented to the Canada West Outstanding football player of the year.
According to Michael Sone who has extensively researched Gnup's biography, "He was forever his own man and the same man to all who knew him. During all those years of research, I never heard a derogatory word about him. Truly, how many people could have lived such a life?"
Researched and written by Fred Hume, UBC Athletics Historian
