The man known affectionately as “Whitey” seemed to be involved in some way with just about every sporting event in Akron.
Whether it was amateur or professional sports, Frank A. Wahl would be there. He enjoyed every aspect of sports, and through competition as an athlete and work as a volunteer, coordinator and coach, Mr. Wahl developed lifelong friendships.
Mr. Wahl died Monday of kidney and heart complications at the age of 90 at University Hospital in Cleveland.
Born on March 3, 1921, he graduated from Garfield High School in 1939 and the University of Akron in 1948. He played sports and also served in the military.
Ken MacDonald, 76, director emeritus of sports information at the University of Akron, said he got to know Mr. Wahl quite well through his work at the college.
“I have known Whitey 50 to 60 years,” MacDonald said. “He has been around Akron U forever. He went into our hall of fame in our second class in 1976. He has been a staunch Akron supporter.
“At one time he was doing broadcasts. He was color analyst with Bob Wylie and Denny Schreiner, and a longtime season ticket holder. He was the last [living] charter member of the Summit County Sports Hall of Fame committee, which was founded in 1957.”
Letterman at UA
Mr. Wahl earned eight letters in four sports — football, basketball, baseball and track and field — at UA. He earned four in basketball alone.
MacDonald said Mr. Wahl figured prominently in a 72-70 UA basketball win over Ohio University in four overtimes during the 1942-43 season.
MacDonald said his friend was also a standout pitcher in adult fast-pitch softball leagues with Hank Vaughn.
After serving in the military, Mr. Wahl returned to guide the Zips to the Ohio Conference championship in the 1945-46 season, leading the team in scoring at 15.2 points per game from his position as forward.
Mr. Wahl also played quarterback in football and shortstop in baseball.
He worked for Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. in various capacities until he retired in 1982.
“I worked with Whitey at Firestone in public relations, at the All-American Soap Box Derby and the World Series of Golf for many years,” said Bob Troyer, 65. “We were good friends.
“He was a great man, and was very active in the Akron area. He was chairman of the Soap Box Derby for many years.”
In 1936, at the age of 15, Mr. Wahl competed in the first Soap Box Derby held at what is now known as Derby Downs. He was inducted into the derby’s hall of fame in 1999 after serving as president, director of champions and flag man.
Derby, Firestone regular
Mr. Wahl was a regular at Derby Downs working the All-American Soap Box Derby and at Firestone Country Club working golf tournaments such as the Rubber City Open, PGA Championship, World Series of Golf, the NEC Invitational and the Bridgestone Invitational.
“This is a big loss for a lot of groups,” MacDonald said. “He was very active in a lot of things.”
In 2006, then-derby General Manager Jeff Iula proclaimed July 22 as Frank “Whitey” Wahl Day and said in an Akron Beacon Journal article that Mr. Wahl “has been a father image to all of us.”
MacDonald said Mr. Wahl remained active with the Summit County Hall of Fame up until this past month. He was inducted into the hall in 1970.
Mr. Wahl is survived by his wife, Marian; son Frank “Pep” (Angela); stepson Scott (Sunshine) Roberts; stepdaughter Leslie (John) Richards; and many grandchildren.
“Whitey was a good friend and a wonderful man,” Troyer said.
Michael Beaven can be reached at 330-996-3829 or mbeaven@thebeaconjournal.com.