The unofficial online home for fans of the Kent State University Golden Flashes. Part of Collegiate Sports Nation (CSN).

I've always had a fascination for basketball of the 1950's and 1960's. In the last year, I've read, and re-read, several books about basketball, at all levels, of that era. One name that popped up several times is Frank Truitt. He was a successful coach at Columbus North HS, the team that ended Jerry Lucas' Middletown win streak in 1958. He joined Fred Taylor's staff at Ohio State, and was known as a top-notch recruiter, scout, and coach. He became head coach at LSU in 1965, then at Kent State in 1966. On paper, it would appear that he was Kent's best hire, ever, as head basketball coach. Yet, he had a losing record before leaving Kent. My question, for any of you old-timers, is what happened to Frank Truitt after he left Kent? Did he coach elsewhere? Is he still alive? I could find nothing in the Internet.

(12-07-2006 12:18 PM)Kent 76 Wrote:  I've always had a fascination for basketball of the 1950's and 1960's. In the last year, I've read, and re-read, several books about basketball, at all levels, of that era. One name that popped up several times is Frank Truitt. He was a successful coach at Columbus North HS, the team that ended Jerry Lucas' Middletown win streak in 1958. He joined Fred Taylor's staff at Ohio State, and was known as a top-notch recruiter, scout, and coach. He became head coach at LSU in 1965, then at Kent State in 1966. On paper, it would appear that he was Kent's best hire, ever, as head basketball coach. Yet, he had a losing record before leaving Kent. My question, for any of you old-timers, is what happened to Frank Truitt after he left Kent? Did he coach elsewhere? Is he still alive? I could find nothing in the Internet.

hey fella,

my neighbor was Frank Truitt's student-athlete in high school. he was speaking to me tonight about him and how Frank was not only a good coach, but a great person. he was actually going on about how much of an influence this man had on him. so, i searched on the internet to find more information about this man. i found your question and also some additional information about Frank, which can be found at the following link:

http://www.kingthompson.com/agentoffice/...brand=4323

Man, does this go back,
I was a supporter and good friend of Frank. Knew that he went back to the Columbus area after KSU, and I have seen him at several sporting or banquet events since. Used to go on recruiting trips with him, rode on the team bus to some away games, and actually was allowed to be at pre game and half time locker room meetings. Yes Frank was an excellent coach, and a better person. He was also a hard luck coach. He lost more games in the last second by fluky plays than anyone could ever imagine. Great golfer. I really, really like the guy. BTW, his best team had Reuben Vance and Roger Evans.

From 1969 thru 1971 was the voice of Flashes basketball...traveled with Frank and the team and wow was it a blast. I called their 13-11 season with Mike Foote and Roger Evans and Ruben Vance. The biggest win was against Purdue. Did a pre-game interview show with Frank who was such a pro. His best line after a loss at Marshall. Let's blow this pop stand.

Wayne Lynch

(09-23-2009 08:51 PM)dmesserly Wrote:  

(12-07-2006 12:18 PM)Kent 76 Wrote:  I've always had a fascination for basketball of the 1950's and 1960's. In the last year, I've read, and re-read, several books about basketball, at all levels, of that era. One name that popped up several times is Frank Truitt. He was a successful coach at Columbus North HS, the team that ended Jerry Lucas' Middletown win streak in 1958. He joined Fred Taylor's staff at Ohio State, and was known as a top-notch recruiter, scout, and coach. He became head coach at LSU in 1965, then at Kent State in 1966. On paper, it would appear that he was Kent's best hire, ever, as head basketball coach. Yet, he had a losing record before leaving Kent. My question, for any of you old-timers, is what happened to Frank Truitt after he left Kent? Did he coach elsewhere? Is he still alive? I could find nothing in the Internet.

hey fella,

my neighbor was Frank Truitt's student-athlete in high school. he was speaking to me tonight about him and how Frank was not only a good coach, but a great person. he was actually going on about how much of an influence this man had on him. so, i searched on the internet to find more information about this man. i found your question and also some additional information about Frank, which can be found at the following link:

http://www.kingthompson.com/agentoffice/...brand=4323