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Frank was a devoted runner who loved running with all of his heart. His accomplishments exemplified his hard work and dedication. We will carry his memory forever in our hearts. He is our champion who lost his battle for life with a brain tumor on June 18, 2001. It means so much to our family to know there are people like you to help keep Frank's memory alive.
Frank Colden graduated Spring-Ford High School in June, 2000. He received the Excellence in Physical Education Award. He was also an excellent student and received an academic scholarship to attend Ursinus College where he was studying Sports Science. He ran on the track team at both schools. He held two high school records for this sport, the 200-meter dash and the 4X100 with his teammates. His goal was to also break the 100-meter dash, his only other event. He never got that chance due to a pulled hamstring in his senior year.
When he did not have track practice at Ursinus, he would go to the high school to work with the track team there. As a child, he played sports around the calendar. He regularly made the All-Star teams. His giggle was contagious. He was also known for his great sense of humor. He could recite lines from movies until he drove people crazy. He loved his music and life in general. When he wasn’t running, he would be seen hitting a golf ball somewhere. He never had time to sit still.
In March of 2001, he was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor (glioblastoma). The last short three months of his life were thinking about getting back to school and running again. He told his brother, Shawn, that his goal was to break his personal best time in the 100-meter as soon as he was able to start running again. While under going treatment, he attended most of the high school track meets to watch his brother run. Old teammates and coaches always made a point to sit down next to him in the stands. There was no self-pity, only determination. He lost his battle to this disease on June 18, 2001.
A sign still hangs in his room which nicely sums up how Frank pursued life in general.
A champion sweats when no one is watching.
What did you do today to become a champion?
Stay focused and work hard on the goals at hand.
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Frank was a very special young man, he touched so many hearts and lives in his short life. We would like to share one of our fondest memories. One day while Frank was under going treatments the Ursinus track coach called and asked if he and some team members could come and visit. The door bell rings, I open the door to greet the coach and team. Well the line seemed endless as the kids kept coming in and in and in. I didn't know you could fit that many college kids in a van, or our family room for that matter. They stayed for a while chatting, encouraging and just enlightened Frank's spirit that day. What a wonderful display of genuine caring compassion for some very young men and women learning to deal with life's curve balls. It is a testament to the character of an outstanding group of individuals that Frank had only known for a short time. That they gave up their time to come and lift the spirits of their team mate. A day that we will never forget.
In 2004 the year Frank would have graduated from Ursinus yet another honor was bestowed his memory. Ursinus College change the name of their winter track invitational to "The Frank Colden Invitational". That honor speaks volumes about Frank and the whole Ursinus College family.
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