An image of McCain during his coaching days, from The Yucca, Yearbook of North Texas State University, 1967
Fred McCain, former IAVM member who ran the University of Noth Texas' Coliseum in Denton, passed away Feb. 26 in Denton, Texas. He was 90 years old.
McCain's history with UNT stretches far beyond his years as a venue manager.
He began playing football at the university in 1941 and stayed for two seasons before taking a hiatus to serve in the U.S. Navy from 1943-1946. He came back in 1946 to continue as quarterback, helping advance his team to the 1946 Optimist Bowl and 1947 Salad Bowl games. He served as assistant football coach 1950-1971. McCain's career at the school continued 1973-1982 when he managed UNT Coliseum. He then moved to the position as athletic director until being inducted into the North Texas Athletic Hall of Fame in 1987.
McCain grew up in Gainesville, Texas, where segregation was a way of life. In 1984, McCain participated in an interview for University of North Texas' Oral History Collection. During the interview, McCain talks about growing up with and serving alongside African Americans, intimating that there were bigger problems to be concerned about than the color of someone's skin.
When asked if his team would have discussions before they played against teams with African Americans in the 40s, McCain replied, "well, I don't think in 1946 or 1947 we ever thought about that at all. A lot of us had had some bad war experiences, and I think we were just glad to be back, you know, and drinking red soda pops."
Along with his successes as an athlete, McCain helped bring Abner Haynes and Leon King to the football program while coaching in 1956. The two African American players were among the first to integrate into college athletics in Texas.
McCain received both his bachelor's degree and master's degree from University of North Texas.
He is survived by his wife, Mary, and children Ray and Karen.