Hall of Fame
Coach Joe Vigil first met Franklin (Frank) Gross, a Culver City, California native and a five-time NAIA Champion thrower, while Frank was representing Colorado Springs’ Wasson High School as a senior in a meet.
As a coach, Vigil was drawn to Frank due to more than just his athletic abilities. Frank was also a great academic student, which made him stand out among the other athletes. When Vigil spoke to Frank’s counselors and coaches about his personality and character, they all had outstanding things to say on Frank’s behalf.
While recruiting Frank, Vigil admittedly did not know that Frank would develop into such a fine human and teammate. Frank’s integrity and character prevailed him to serve successfully as a leader and a team captain for Adams State University (formerly known as Adams State College) track and field for four consecutive years.
Frank held his teammates to a high standard and was always there to support them. He was always interested in how his teammates where doing during the competition.
Frank’s competitive edge and business-like demeanor assisted him in leading Adams State to NAIA Runner-Up finishes in 1977 and 1978. He also earned 11 All-American recognitions, Most Outstanding Athlete of the national meet during his senior year, RMAC All-Centennial Team, Adams State Hall of Fame and a five-time NAIA National Champion.
Frank was highly respected by his teammates as well as fellow coaches and athletes around the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) because of his positivity while speaking to coaches and members of other teams.
Frank received a B.S. in Biology and Chemistry from Adams State before going on to earn a Master’s in Physiology and Biomechanics from the University of Denver. It was not long after his graduate program ended that Frank told Vigil he was ready to be a coach and with the help of Vigil, Frank became the head track and field coach at Albuquerque High School in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Frank coached there for one year before he decided to coach at a higher level.