Guzick, Frank

Guzick played center for Texas Tech in the 1930s and captained the 1938 team, leading them to the Cotton Bowl. Frank was later the principal at Skyline High School in Dallas.

Birth and Death Dates:
b. May 30, 1915- d. August 24, 1996

Career Highlights:
Born in Houston, Guzick attended Texas Tech University on a football scholarship. In 1936, the team had a record of 5-4-1, but vastly improved the following year. In 1937, they started the season 1-3-0, but won their next seven games, outscoring their opponents 133-14 in that span.

Texas Tech also qualified for the school's first-ever bowl game, facing West Virginia in the Sun Bowl. In the second quarter, Texas Tech fumbled a punt return on their own five-yard line. The Mountaineers recovered and scored four plays later. In the same quarter, Texas Tech mounted an 80-yard drive that culminated in a one-yard touchdown run, but the extra point was blocked. The second half was a defensive struggle and although the Red Raiders outgained the Mountaineers 249-185 (West Virginia had no passing yards), they lost by a final score 7-6.

In 1938, Gulick was elected captain of the Red Raiders who had their best season in the school's history. They outscored their opponents 274-35 during the regular season, enroute to a perfect 10-0-0 year! Ranked No. 11 in the nation, Tech qualified for their second straight bowl game and played St. Mary's (Cal.) in the Cotton Bowl. St. Mary's surprised the Red Raiders, jumping out to a 20-0 lead. In the fourth quarter, Texas Tech had touchdown drives of 76 and 80 yards respectively, but it was too little too late and they lost the game, 20-13.

Gurick graduated from Texas Tech in 1939 and received his Master's Degree in education the following year. He taught and coached high school in Texas for three years, then served in the U.S. Navy from 1943-1947. Upon his return to civilian life, Frank taught math and history and coached basketball and football at Adamson High School. He remained in the Dallas school system until 1985, when he was forced to retire at the age of 70. From 1972-1985, Gurick served as principal of Skyline High School.

Origin:
Houston, Texas

Career Dates:
Guzick played center at Texas Tech from 1936-1938.

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