Colorado University Athletics
A Life Dedicated To Skiing & Family, Frank Brown Enters CU Athletic Hall Of Fame
November 04, 2017 | General, Skiing
CU Athletic Hall of Fame Induction on Nov. 9
Being able to reach the highest level in your sport is an amazing feat. Being able to reach the top of your sport in the infancy of it being NCAA sanctioned is even more impressive. Being able to do both of those things and become the first All-American in program history is truly incredible.
This is what Frank Brown accomplished during his time at CU as a skier, and that is why he is a part of the 2017 CU Athletic Hall of Fame induction class.
Born in 1937, Brown was raised in McCall, Idaho. He was brought up by a family who loved skiing, and Brown fully embraced it. He loved anything adventurous, so he quickly became a top-notch Nordic and Alpine racer. Brown was also a very intelligent young man. He was the valedictorian in his high school, and decided to move on to Boulder and the CU campus.
Brown came to CU in 1956 as a skier. He studied architectural engineering during his time at the school, and was an A student in the engineering program at CU. During his time on the ski team, Brown earned over 30 Top 5 finishes along with nine victories and two runner-up places at the 1957 and 1958 NCAA Championships. He was a three-time all American in both Nordic and Downhill, and helped to carry CU to the school's first-ever NCAA championship in 1959. His efforts helped to shape the ski program into what it is today.
After graduating from CU, Brown went on to do many great things. In 1960, he participated in the Winter Olympics in Squaw Valley, Calif. He also designed the original lodge for Brundage Resort in McCall, which his father owned.
Brown later went on to start many businesses, some related to skiing, and some not. He owned hotels and restaurants, he worked in ski retail, but his main enterprise was property development. His days of being a champion skier always helped him in his adventures after school because of the tenacity and drive which he gained while competing at such a high level.
Brown was also very involved with his family. He had three boys before meeting his wife Judy, and they had one girl together. Frank and Judy were together for over 45 years. Later in life, Brown brought his passion of skiing to his family, just like his family did for him. His wife Judy stated, "(The kids) all went on to be wonderful skiers with memorable coaching from their fathers." Because of Brown, "The whole family plus next generations ski." Brown has eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren who are all carrying on the legacy of their grandfather.
In 2006, the Buffaloes' 1959 ski team, which was the first CU sports team to win a national championship, was inducted into the CU Athletic Hall of Fame. According to Judy Brown, Frank was, "Proud. Beyond proud," to have been a part of CU as a school, as well as the CU ski team. Others close to Brown said that his team being inducted into the Hall of Fame was one of his absolute proudest moments.
Sadly, on June 4, 2016, Frank Brown passed away in his hometown of McCall, at the age of 79. Although Brown is no longer with us, his memory will forever live not only with his family, but also with the entire CU community. He was not only an amazing skier, but he was an amazing student, friend, husband, father, and grandfather. He will always be remembered as a truly amazing man, and he will always be remembered as a Colorado Buffalo.
This is what Frank Brown accomplished during his time at CU as a skier, and that is why he is a part of the 2017 CU Athletic Hall of Fame induction class.
Born in 1937, Brown was raised in McCall, Idaho. He was brought up by a family who loved skiing, and Brown fully embraced it. He loved anything adventurous, so he quickly became a top-notch Nordic and Alpine racer. Brown was also a very intelligent young man. He was the valedictorian in his high school, and decided to move on to Boulder and the CU campus.
Brown came to CU in 1956 as a skier. He studied architectural engineering during his time at the school, and was an A student in the engineering program at CU. During his time on the ski team, Brown earned over 30 Top 5 finishes along with nine victories and two runner-up places at the 1957 and 1958 NCAA Championships. He was a three-time all American in both Nordic and Downhill, and helped to carry CU to the school's first-ever NCAA championship in 1959. His efforts helped to shape the ski program into what it is today.
After graduating from CU, Brown went on to do many great things. In 1960, he participated in the Winter Olympics in Squaw Valley, Calif. He also designed the original lodge for Brundage Resort in McCall, which his father owned.
Brown later went on to start many businesses, some related to skiing, and some not. He owned hotels and restaurants, he worked in ski retail, but his main enterprise was property development. His days of being a champion skier always helped him in his adventures after school because of the tenacity and drive which he gained while competing at such a high level.
Brown was also very involved with his family. He had three boys before meeting his wife Judy, and they had one girl together. Frank and Judy were together for over 45 years. Later in life, Brown brought his passion of skiing to his family, just like his family did for him. His wife Judy stated, "(The kids) all went on to be wonderful skiers with memorable coaching from their fathers." Because of Brown, "The whole family plus next generations ski." Brown has eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren who are all carrying on the legacy of their grandfather.
In 2006, the Buffaloes' 1959 ski team, which was the first CU sports team to win a national championship, was inducted into the CU Athletic Hall of Fame. According to Judy Brown, Frank was, "Proud. Beyond proud," to have been a part of CU as a school, as well as the CU ski team. Others close to Brown said that his team being inducted into the Hall of Fame was one of his absolute proudest moments.
Sadly, on June 4, 2016, Frank Brown passed away in his hometown of McCall, at the age of 79. Although Brown is no longer with us, his memory will forever live not only with his family, but also with the entire CU community. He was not only an amazing skier, but he was an amazing student, friend, husband, father, and grandfather. He will always be remembered as a truly amazing man, and he will always be remembered as a Colorado Buffalo.
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