Frank Cooney, wearing #14, is pictured above as a member of the Bisons' 1968-69 team.
Frank Cooney arrived at the University of Manitoba from Toronto in 1967 after playing one season with the U of T Blues Junior Varsity team. He enrolled in the Faculty of Physical Education and played four seasons with the Bisons, graduating in 1971.
In his first year, Frank earned the nickname "The Thief" for his speed and ability to disrupt opponents, racking up numerous steals. His quickness made him a valuable asset to coaches Darwin Semotiuk (1967-68) and Jack Lewis (1968-71), who frequently inserted him into games to change the tempo, particularly on defense. Though not a prolific scorer, Frank played a crucial role in the team's success. In 1971, he was part of the Bisons squad that won the WCIAU Championship and advanced to the national final, ultimately falling to the Acadia Axemen in Nova Scotia.
Frank was well-known on campus and affectionately referred to as the "Prince of St. Andrews" for his time in the college residence. His last visit to Manitoba was in 2018, when he attended the Bison Classic golf event in August.
Frank Cooney Obituary - Burlington, ON | Smith's Funeral Home
