In Remembrance of Coach Frank Gansz (1938-2009)

Caballo · Post by **Caballo** » Mon Apr 27, 2009 6:12 pm

I know that there is another thread regarding Coach Gansz, but I thought if anyone deserved their own remembrance thread, it was him. While I only met and visited with him on one occasion, I immediately could tell that this was a person who made a difference in a person's life. If anyone has a story or a special account of Coach Gansz, including how he may have touched your life, I think people would like to hear about it.

Heaven is a better place today with Coach Gansz whipping everyone into shape.

ddderrius · Post by **ddderrius** » Mon Apr 27, 2009 6:22 pm

Franks Gansz passes away
5:53 PM Mon, Apr 27, 2009 | Permalink | Yahoo! Buzz
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http://collegesportsblog.dallasnews.com ... -away.html

PK · Post by PK » Mon Apr 27, 2009 6:35 pm

I never had the opportunity to meet Coach Gansz, but I could tell from watching him work with the kids on the team that he was someone special. I'm glad he was here...wish it could have been for a longer time.

ALEX LIFESON · Post by **ALEX LIFESON** » Mon Apr 27, 2009 6:40 pm

On the last scrimmage Frank was at, I was standing there in the pouring rain, and I told him, "Frank, I really have to get a life". And he called me by name and said, "you have one, and you are doing what you love, thanks for the support, I really appreciate it!". Coach Gansz, I really appreciate you, for making everyone around you feel special, you have changed the world for the better, you will be missed.

SMU89 · Post by **SMU89** » Mon Apr 27, 2009 6:40 pm

God bless Coach Gansz and his family.

PlanoStang · Post by **PlanoStang** » Mon Apr 27, 2009 6:46 pm

Dear Jesus, please ask God to comfort his family, and friends.

Amen

Dooby · Post by **Dooby** » Mon Apr 27, 2009 6:47 pm

I consider myself very fortunate to have finally dragged myself out of bed to watch practice this Spring and watch Frank Gansz do his work. I told everyone who would listen at work about the work he was doing at practice. The man was clearly one of integrity and gifted and passionate about his work. I am not sure what more you can ask.

I suspect that everyone of his players considers himself a better player because of the work he was doing.

One Trick Pony · Post by **One Trick Pony** » Mon Apr 27, 2009 6:56 pm

ALEX LIFESON wrote:On the last scrimmage Frank was at, I was standing there in the pouring rain, and I told him, "Frank, I really have to get a life". And he called me by name and said, "you have one, and you are doing what you love, thanks for the support, I really appreciate it!". Coach Gansz, I really appreciate you, for making everyone around you feel special, you have changed the world for the better, you will be missed.

When he walked over to put on his rain jacket in that down pour, I leaned over and told him that they just broke ground on the in door practice field, he started laughing and looked like a million bucks. RIP Frank.

Stampede · Post by **Stampede** » Mon Apr 27, 2009 7:03 pm

What a blessing to have the priviledge of getting to know, love and experience the man of Frank Gansz over the past 14 months. Heaven is a much better place today and I am simply humbled to have experienced the pleasure of his entire being on the Hilltop!

Thank you, Coach Jones, for bringing Frank Gansz into the SMU family. We love you, Frank.

ontheedgeofmyseat · Post by **ontheedgeofmyseat** » Mon Apr 27, 2009 7:25 pm

Thank you, PlanoStang...

larskjenstad · Post by **larskjenstad** » Mon Apr 27, 2009 7:29 pm

The last practice that I attended was the Saturday before last, rain was coming down and a gentleman standing next to me was from out of town (Topeka, KS), but his daughter lived here. I asked him if he was a Pony fan and he said that his daughter was and that he had heard about the bullhorn that Coach Gansz was using and had to come out and see it for himself, even in the rain, and that he has always been a big Frank Gansz fan living close to Kansas City for many years.

Coach, we will miss you here, may God keep blessing you in Heaven.

Special_Delivery_Smu_Fans · Mon Apr 27, 2009 7:33 pm

What a heartbreaking loss.

I too never met the man, but felt like I knew him. If you attended a practice & heard Frank you just instantly became a fan. My sincere condolences go out to everyone that loved this man. It is a sad day knowing we won't be hearing Coach Gansz's motivational booming voice on the practice field loud speakers, but the magic this man inspired in people will live on forever.

http://s7.photobucket.com/albums/y273/ItsZep/SMU/?action=view&current=fc0cac33.pbr

jtstang · Post by **jtstang** » Mon Apr 27, 2009 7:38 pm

I know I'm preaching to the devout here, but it makes you appreciate Jones more. Here's a guy who was retired, and could have stayed so, but when Jones asks him to come on board--at SMU of all places--and get involved with teaching kids football and life (not in that order) he answered the call. Jones must have been a good guy in his mind to have put down the ice tea and pick up the bullhorn.

Top 25 · Post by **Top 25** » Mon Apr 27, 2009 7:40 pm

I was yet another observer, standing in the rain, watching practice nine days ago. Frank walked by and couldn't resist thanking me for just being there.

I talked to him a handful of times over the last 14 months, and to do so was always a joy. He really loved his troops, and, man oh man, did he love football.

We will always miss him.

expony18 · Post by **expony18** » Mon Apr 27, 2009 7:45 pm

my prayers go out to his family....

from everything ive heard, he's the kind of coach I would want to play for