Frank Rohter, instrumental in building UCF’s athletics department, dies at 101

Dr. Frank Rohter, who would become the first athletics director at Florida Technological University — eventually becoming UCF — passed away at 101.

Rohter was appointed AD and the Physical Education Department chair at FTU in 1969. He was instrumental in hiring Torchy Clark, who became the first basketball coach and led the program to five Sunshine State Conference titles and six appearances in the NCAA Division II Tournament.

He was also responsible for hiring coaches such as Gerry Gergley (wrestling and men’s golf), Dennis Kamrad (women’s rowing), Lex Wood (men’s tennis), Doug Holmquist (baseball) and Jim Rudy (men’s and women’s soccer).

Frank Rohter

“On behalf of UCF Athletics, I want to express our deepest condolences on the passing of Dr. Frank Rohter,” AD Terry Mohajir said in a statement. “Frank played a pivotal role in shaping the early success of UCF Athletics during its days as Florida Technological University. He had an ability to attract and inspire talent, even under limitations, and we commend his dedication and ingenuity. His legacy will remain a pivotal role in our young history.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this time.”

Rohter, born in Chicago, served in the Navy in World War II. Upon his return, he married and moved to California, where he eventually received a PhD in exercise physiology from USC. He taught at Cal Santa Barbara and was director of Florida State’s exercise physiology lab before accepting the job at FTU.

An avid runner, Rohter competed 350 triathlons, 11 marathons and two Hawaiian Ironman Triathlons. He also co-authored the book “Blue Collar Ironman” with Michael O’Shaughnessy in 2000. In recognition of his contributions, he was inducted into the UCF Athletics Hall of Fame in 2005.

In 1985, Rohter told the Orlando Sentinel that he had lived a relatively sedentary lifestyle since college despite receiving lectures on the importance of exercise. He put his theories into practice to challenge himself and began participating in the 1977 Tangerine Bowl Classic 2-mile fun run. Before long, he found himself hooked on running.

“I went from two to three, four and five miles, and then a 10K 1. I just couldn’t get enough,” he said.

Rohter taught at the school from 1968-2006 and served as a professor emeritus. He specialized in exercise physiology, particularly the physiology of aging.

He is survived by his sister, Rose, two daughters Barbara Monte Carlo and Nancy Fontaine, seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Matt Murschel can be reached at mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com

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