Truman State University Athletics

Frank Wagner was a Chicago Tribune and Chicago American honorable mention All-State selection and Chicago American Chicago Lineman of the Week while playing at De LaSalle High School. Thanks to former Bulldog coach Bill Richerson, the university successfully recruited Mr. Wagner. The Bulldog football media guides of the late 1960's describe him as an aggressive, tough, and take-charge type. As a freshman, he performed as an offensive guard but was switched to nose guard. He was very quick, probably the quickest defensive lineman on the team. He played under three university coaches, Red Wade, Marv Braden and Russ Sloan, and lettered four years, one of only a few linemen to ever letter four seasons for the Bulldogs. Mr. Wagner earned some type of All-Conference honors three years and was unanimous All-MIAA in 1969. He received All-American recognition twice and helped the Bulldogs win a share of the 1969 MIAA co-championship. He never missed a game during his career. After graduating in 1970, he was physical education and shop teacher for over 10 years. Mr. Wagner served as superintendent for Cook County (Ill.) Schools for three years, and then worked in the Illinois State Treasurer's office for three years. Mr. Wagner then served as Deputy Assessor for Cook County and was also involved in the sporting goods business. He was a member of the St. Albert School District Board and the YMCA Board for the southwest district of Cook County and was a fundraiser for the De LaSalle High School.