Frank E. Dennie (1973) - Hall of Fame - Brown University Athletics

Frank E. Dennie

Induction:
1973
Class:
1909

Frank E. "Spike" Dennie '09 caught Brown's first touchdown pass, became the first collegian to score two touchdowns on Yale in the same game, and holds the Brown record for the longest return with a fumble recovery. He also had the distinction of being elected to Walter Camp's All-American second team in 1908 and then selected again ten years later on Camp's All-Service team. A brilliant athlete in football, basketball, and baseball at Brockton (MA) High and Williston Academy, Dennie later became respected in Eastern collegiate circles for his tough two-way end play. Playing on the varsity as a freshman in 1905, Dennie picked up a fumble at Franklin Field and raced 100 yards for a touchdown against Penn, still a Brown record. A versatile performer, Dennie was used as a return man on punts and kickoffs and for extra points. With the arrival of passing star Bill Sprackling in 1908, Dennie blossomed forth as an able pass receiver. In the opener against New Hampshire he took a 40-yard scoring pass from Sprackling, the first touchdown pass in Brown's history. In the classic 10-10 tie with Yale that year, Dennie became the first collegian to score twice on the Eli's in one game, crossing the line on a nine-yard pass from Sprackling and again on a 35-yard interception. During his four-year career, Dennie scored 78 points on 12 touchdowns (5 points then) and 18 conversions. He served three years in World War I as a captain of engineers with the 89th Division and won a citation from General Pershing for exceptional duty in the Argonne. He was a member of the faculty of the School of Mines at Rolla, Mo., from 1909 until his death on Jan. 13, 1952, serving as professor of mathematics, director of physical education, and head football coach. He was also a leading football official in the Midwest and Southwest.