June 12, 2009
LAWRENCE, Kan. -
Former Illinois State and Kansas Director of Athletics Dr. Robert "Bob" Frederick died Friday night as the result of injuries sustained in a bicycling accident. He was 69.
An accomplished cyclist, Frederick was riding on a city street in Lawrence, Kan., near the Kansas campus Thursday evening when he hit a pothole, flew over the handlebars and struck the pavement. He was taken by helicopter to the University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City, Kan., with massive head injuries.
He died at University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kan., according to family spokeswoman Kelly Hale.
The Illinois State community and ISU Director of Athletics Dr. Sheahon Zenger were shocked and saddened with the news.
"Bob Frederick was one of the finest gentlemen I've ever known," said Zenger. "He represented all the best in college athletics. I was fortunate to have known him throughout my professional career in several different capacities. He was someone I trusted and looked to for advice and counsel, and for whom I have the greatest admiration.
"I consider it an honor to serve as the athletics director at an institution where Bob also worked. I hope that everyone in the Redbird family will join me in keeping Bob and his family in our thoughts and prayers."
Frederick served as Illinois State's Director of Athletics from 1985-87, before leaving for the same position at Kansas, a role he held until 2001. Although his time on Illinois State's campus was relatively short, Frederick made huge strides in corporate sponsorships and left his mark on the department with his strong ethical conduct.
At Kansas, Frederick served as chairman of the NCAA Division I men's basketball committee in 1995 and 1996, and was a leader in the forming of the Big 12 Conference.
Frederick earned all three of his degrees from Kansas - a bachelor's degree in chemistry in 1962, a master's degree in secondary school administration in 1964 and his doctorate degree in educational administration in 1984.
After playing basketball at Kansas in 1960-61, Frederick coached basketball at Rich Central High School in Illinois from 1964-66, Russell High School in Kansas from 1966-70, Coffeyville Community College from 1970-71 and Lawrence High School from 1977-81. He was an assistant coach at Brigham Young University from 1972-75 and Stanford University from 1975-77.
In 2001 Frederick received the NIT Distinguished Service Award. In 1997 the National Association of Basketball Coaches presented him with the Cliff Wells Appreciation Award for outstanding contributions to college basketball. That same year he was presented the Buford M. Watson Public Service Award by the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce. The NIT named him Man of the Year in 1996.
He leaves behind his wife, Margret, and four sons, Brian, Brad, Mark and Chris. Frederick donated his organs and his family would like to encourage others to become organ donors. His funeral arrangements have not been scheduled at this time.
