A native of McKeesport, PA, Frank Pollard served as a distinguished varsity coach and physical education professor at Binghamton from 1956-1987.
A prominent fixture on campus for 31 years, Pollard coached the men's basketball and men's tennis teams, and was a dedicated teacher and friend to students and faculty alike.
Pollard, a football All-American while at Allegheny College, came to Binghamton in 1956 from Florida Southern College, where he had served as athletic director.
In 23 years as men's tennis coach (1963-87), Pollard compiled a 206-60 record, guiding his teams to consecutive SUNYAC championships in 1977 and 1978. He was named SUNYAC "Coach of the Year" in 1986-87.
His tennis teams won numerous invitationals, achieved regional distinction, and were once ranked #7 in the country in Division III.
Pollard also coached the men's basketball team for 16 years (1956-72), posting 93 victories. His 1961-62 team won 14 of 17 games — a winning percentage (.824) that remains the best in Binghamton's first 51 years of basketball.
Pollard was honored in 1977 with the Alumni Distinguished Service Award. In 1989, the West Gym tennis pavilion was constructed and named the Pollard Memorial Tennis Center. The West Gym courts are home to the community summer tennis tournament he originated and directed for 14 years, now titled The Pollard Open.
Frank Pollard passed away on March 14, 1987, shortly after announcing plans to retire later that spring.
