William Frear
Graduation Year: 1950
Induction Class of 1989
Sports: Basketball; Football
Bill Frear was Mr. OU. He was a four year letterman on the basketball court (1941-42, 1946-48) and was part of the OU’s fabled “Iron 5.” Following graduation, he went to Sabetha High School and Holton High School and coached basketball.
Frear returned to OU as head men’s basketball coach for the 1955-56 season and led the Braves until his retirement after the 1977-78 season. In his 22 years as head coach, Frear had 43 All-Conference performers and six NAIA All-Americans. He led the Braves to four conference championships and to three Kansas NAIA Playoffs.
During his tenure, Frear coached baseball, tennis, golf, and was an assistant football coach. After retiring, he continued serving OU as a recruiter in the admissions office.