Editor’s Note:

Sports are not suppose to be tragic. It’s the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. It’s the excitement of rooting for your favorite team. It’s individuals competing to see who’s the best. Whether they win or lose, there is always the hope of a next game or a next season. That’s what makes playing and watching sports so enjoyable for the fans. That’s what makes covering sports so enjoyable for the journalist.

That’s why it deeply saddens me to write about the passing of Michael Frank, who died tragically in a car accident on April 7th. For fans that enjoyed his work both in the magazine and on the radio as a play-by-play broadcaster, there sadly is no next season. For his family, friends, and co-workers, all that is left are memories.

I only knew Michael for a short period of time, he covered UConn Women’s basketball this past season for Inside Connecticut Sports. But it was clear from the beginning that his true passion in life was to be on the sidelines covering sports. And he was a natural at it with an enthusiasm for sports that was inspiring.

During his time writing for the magazine, I was continually impressed by his professionalism, his writing talent, and his enthusiasm for his trade. Whether the women’s team won or lost, he worked hard to put a positive spin on all of his work. Most of our communications dealt with his coverage of the team; but more recently at the Women’s NCAA tournament, I got the chance to sit and talk with him about some of his other interests including his plans to pursue a radio broadcasting career.

At only 22 years of age, Michael already had a depth of experience in covering UConn athletics and the sidelines were almost a second home for him. He started back in 2000 as a sports writer for the school newspaper, the Daily Campus. Then in 2002, he switched gears and became a broadcaster and the sports director at WHUS-FM radio until he graduated in 2004. One of the highlights in his career was when he called the play-by-play for the men’s Final Four in San Antonio last April.

The photo above best reflects how I will remember Michael, sitting on press row among friends and enjoying his chosen profession with his easygoing style and a smile on his face.

The UConn sidelines will seem emptier next season without Michael; but his spirit will still remain in our hearts, in our memories, and in our prayers.

Sincerely,
Brian Pohorylo