BERKELEY, Calif. – Dr. Harold “Hal” Frey, a former men's gymnastics coach at Cal and 1993 Cal Athletic Hall of Fame inductee passed away on Monday evening in the company of his family. He was 90.
“Hal Frey was the 'indispensable man' for Cal and USA Gymnastics,” said former Golden Bear Ron Bell ('79). “He was a powerhouse coach and motivator, a keen organizer, a visionary inventor and masterful showman and promoter of gymnastics. Dr. Frey, as we liked to call him, was as close as one could come to perpetual motion. He created an environment at Cal where young motivated men could reach their potential and beyond, where champions were inevitable.”
Frey served the Golden Bear gymnastics program for more than four decades, including 27 years as head coach from 1958-69 and 1971-83. He earned NCAA Coach of the Year honors three times in his career and led Cal to NCAA team titles in both 1968 and '75. He was also at the helm when the team finished second in the nation in 1966 and third in 1974 and '76. The Golden Bears won 12 Pac-8 Conference championships under his guidance.
Additionally, Frey led Cal to 10 undefeated seasons between 1961 and '78 and posted a 238-39 dual-meet record during his tenure, including an 89 meet-win streak over a nine-year period. He oversaw 13 individual NCAA title-winners, six Olympians and one world champion.
"Dr. Frey came into the gym every couple of weeks during my first few months on the job,” said Cal head coach Brett McClure. “I could instantly see the joy he had watching the guys train and how proud he was of the team. We will continue his legacy as he had hoped and continue the excellence he created here at Cal. He will be deeply missed by the entire gymnastics community."
A pillar of the Cal gymnastics community, Frey wrote several books on gymnastics and is a member of the U.S. gymnastics Hall of Fame as a gymnast, coach and contributor. He remained active in the Cal gymnastics program after his head coaching career ended in an advisory and fundraising role.
The Lehighton, Pa. native competed at Penn State in gymnastics, wrestling and was also an acclaimed pole vaulter. As a gymnast in Happy Valley, Frey was a key component of two National Amateur Athletic Union (NAAU) championships teams.
"Hal Frey was a great example for me,” said former head coach Barry Weiner. “Not only did Hal have an excellent record evidenced by his USAG Hall of Fame career, but his love of Cal was infectious. He helped me in many ways. I always loved our gymnastics conversations and debates. Hal was always eager to help and remained determined in his continued wish for Cal to come out on top. Hal was our No. 1 donor and gave generously and frequently. He was simply a great leader and example of how a good coach should behave. He will be missed by so many, including me."
His coaching career began when he took over the University of Illinois, Chicago program for a 10-year period. He led UIC to four undefeated seasons and the NAAU title in 1949. In addition to coaching gymnastics at UIC, Frey also led the men's soccer program for three years, suffering only two defeats during his tenure.
Frey, one of 12 children, is credited as being a driving force in replacing the Amateur Athletic Union with the United States Gymnastics Federation (now known as USA Gymnastics). Additionally, he is also credited with the development of a junior program within the USGF, and served as the program's West regional Director for 12 years.
"Dr. Frey was such an important person in my life and athletic development," said recent Cal Athletic Hall of Fame inductee Tom Beach. "From creating such a power program at Cal, being instrumental in the formation of the United States Gymnastic Federation and on a personal note, just plain gave me some of the best advice I've every been given. This is a tremendous loss to the gymnastics community, but his influence will be felt for generations of athletes to come."
Frey is survived by his wife Wilma, daughter Pamela Sue Armer, two stepsons Terry and Donald Newton, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
