University of Memphis Athletics
Spirit Squad Coach Frankie Conklin Dies at Age 53
May 26, 2013 | Spirit Squad
MEMPHIS - Frankie Conklin, who was widely known as one of the nation's leading cheer coaches and the spirit squad directors who guided the University of Memphis squads to seven national championships, died Sunday in Memphis. Conklin, born January 4, 1960, was 53 years old.
"We were incredibly sad to learn of the passing of head spirit squad coach Frankie Conklin," said Memphis Athletics Director Tom Bowen. "He was a treasured coach, colleague and friend. On behalf of the Tiger Nation, the athletic department and the University of Memphis, we send our thoughts and prayers to the Conklin family."
The owner and president of Memphis Elite All-Stars, Conklin became the spirit squad director for the University in the summer of 2004 and with the assistance of Carol Lloyd, continued to build the three Tiger spirit squads into one of the nation's top programs.
In 2004 he led the Memphis All-Girl Competitive team to the UCA National Championship in competition held at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. In an unprecedented feat, the 2008 Pom squad and the All-Girl Competitive team both won the UCA/UDA National Championships marking the first time Memphis had taken two of the three national titles in a single year.
"The entire University is deeply saddened by the death of Frankie Conklin," said University President Dr. Shirley Raines. "Our sympathies go out to his family and all of the spirit team members that he has touched over the years."
During his nine-year tenure at Memphis, Conklin's squads earned seven championships, including four by the nationally recognized Tiger Pom-Pon squad, two by the All-Girl Competitive team and another by the Co-ed squad which came in January of this year.
He is survived by his daughter Meghan Bell and a grandson Hudson.
Visitation will be held Thursday beginning at 4 p.m. at Faith Baptist Church on North Germantown Parkway. Funeral services will be held Friday at 12 noon at Hope Presbyterian Church on Walnut Grove.
