Frank Klassen

• Post by: mcalibrary
• January 3, 2024
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INDUCTEE

Frank Klassen was a fierce center and linebacker for the Lourdes Regional Red Raiders where he led his team to a fine 15-4-1 record during the 1965 and 1966 seasons. The Raiders captured the Anthracite League Championship in 1966, winning 9 games, which at that time were the most ever for Lourdes Regional team. He capped his brilliant high school career by being named the reams Most Valuable Player and being named to the Associated Press All-State team.

Following graduation in 1967, Frank went on to Albright College where he became a starting linebacker. Because he wore #51 and played in the same fiercely angry mood as Dick Butkus, famous Chicago Bears linebacker, Klassen became known as the “Dick Butkus of Small College Football.”

He was named Albright’s defensive MVP as a senior and was chosen on the ECAC All East team and the NCAA Small College ALL American Team. The Berks County Touchdown Club voted him their outstanding athlete. He still holds the Albright College record of 40 tackles (that’s right, 40) in one game against Springfield.

After graduation he signed to play with the Pottstown Firebirds of the Atlantic Coast Professional Football League, but the franchise folded along with the league. He then refocused his attention, got an MBA degree and is no Vice President of Wometco Food and Vending Services with offices in Nashville, TN.