Frank Swede Kendall

Frank "Swede" Kendall was a part of high school athletics in Alabama for 47 years. In 1932 "Swede" took on his first coaching assignment for two years at Pell City High; then for four years he was at Tuscaloosa County High. The next 20 years Coach Kendall was at Tuscaloosa High School. While serving as the head football coach, his record was 116-59-16. Kendall coached the Black Bears to five undefeated seasons and two winning streaks of 28 and 19 games. In track and field he coached two State Championship teams and was runner-up four times. Kendall was a member of the 1926 National Championship team at Tuscaloosa High School. He played football for the Black Bears under legendary coach Paul Burnum. His first coaching job came at Pell City in 1932 where he stayed for three seasons before moving to Tuscaloosa County in Northport. He remained as the head football coach at County for four seasons. His Wildcat teams combined for a 22-9-5 slate. In 1939, Coach Kendall began his long and distinguished career as the head football coach at Tuscaloosa High School. He stayed there for the next 20 years and was the football coach each season except during World War II (1942-44). His Black Bear teams combined for a 94-45-11 in 17 seasons. Coach Kendalls 1949 squad finished 9-0 and was named State Champions for their efforts. The 1956 Black Bears finished 8-0-1. In track and field he coached 2 State Championship teams and was runner-up another four times. He also coached the basketball team to a runner-up finish. For more than 50 years Coach Kendall was an integral and winning part of Tuscaloosa athletics. Following his retirement from the football field, Coach Kendall served as the principal of Tuscaloosa Junior High. Kendall is a member of the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame. He was responsible for founding the Alabama High School Athletic Association. He passed away May 8, 1985 in Tuscaloosa.