Hall of Fame
Frank Small competed in an era when Pasadena College was just starting to establish an intercollegiate athletic program in the late1940’s. Teams were small in numbers and generally in size but huge in heart and participation in dual sports was the norm of the day.
Frank, as PC’s first really tall basketball player at 6’6”, also competed in track and field. As a basketball player in those days, statistical keeping was often overlooked. Nevertheless, Frank was the team’s top-rebounder and was also a threat offensively, often scoring 1/3 or more of the team’s points.
In track and field Frank was a big man in more ways than one. He ran cross country all four years and established school records in the mile at 4:39 and in the two mile at 10:30 in track. In those early years, the school competed against national contenders such as UCLA, USC, UC Santa Barbara, along with the small school powers of Whittier, Occidental, Redlands and La Verne.
Frank distinguished himself in school as a Christian gentleman, scholar, musician, and athlete. At 85 years young, Frank is a true servant as he remains active, playing piano every Sunday for the Lake Elsinore Nazarene Church. In addition, he teaches Sunday school classes, sings solos and keeps the church membership records, living out our current University mission to Teach, Shape, and Send.
Frank and wife, Margaret, have four children – three who attended Point Loma.
Frank was an excellent athlete who has made Pasadena College/Point Loma Nazarene University proud throughout the years. It is fitting that his alma mater shows him the gratitude he deserves by welcoming him into the Point Loma Nazarene University Athletic Hall of Fame in the category of athlete. Congratulations.
