Francis William “Frank” Leahy, who played football at Notre Dame under Knute Rockne, went on to coach the Notre Dame football team himself for 11 seasons (1941-43, 1946-53).
“While at Notre Dame, Leahy had six undefeated seasons, five national championship teams and an unbeaten string of 39 games in the late 1940s.”
Leahy retired for health reasons in 1954.
A week after he retired, Arnold and Mildred Penza of Kenosha, Wisconsin — parents of Don Penza, captain of Leahy’s 1953 Notre Dame team — welcomed their 10th child.
The baby boy was named Frank Leahy Penza, after Coach Leahy.
(The names of all 10 Penza kids, from oldest to youngest, were Donald, John, George, Dennis, Thomas, Joan, James, Mary Lynn, Diane, and Frank.)
Sources:
- Frank Leahy Bio – UND.COM – University of Notre Dame Official Athletic Site
- “Penzas Name Baby After Coach Leahy.” Milwaukee Journal 6 Feb. 1954: 11.
Image: Adapted from Bill Nicholas and Frank Leahy 1947
Let’s discuss the name “Knute”!
I think it’s funny how Knute Rockne is this very well-known figure in college football, and yet no one bothers to say his first name correctly.