MHS Coach Frank Campbell Chosen as State Coach of the Year

Mascoutah – Coach Frank Campbell of Mascoutah High School has been recognized as the 2024 Illinois State Coach of the Year by the National High School Strength Coaches Association (NHSSCA). This accolade not only celebrates Campbell’s dedication to his craft but also underscores the profound impact he’s had on the lives of countless students throughout his career.

Born in Texas and raised in a military family, Coach Campbell’s early years were marked by travels across continents. From the Lone Star State to the picturesque landscapes of Germany, his childhood was steeped in diversity and adaptability. However, it was Mascoutah, Illinois, where he found a sense of permanence. Arriving at Scott Air Force Base, he became well acquainted with the community, attending local schools and immersing himself in athletics at Mascoutah High.

Football was his passion, and he pursued it with gusto, eventually transitioning to collegiate play, donning the jersey for McKendree University’s Bearcats, Lindenwood University – Belleville, and Missouri Baptist University. As an offensive lineman, he embraced the role of the “big boys” on the field, but his journey wasn’t just about touchdowns and tackles; it was about personal transformation.

During his college years, Coach Campbell focused on his Exercise Science major, falling in love with the weight room. “I was an offensive lineman and the heaviest I weighed then was 315 pounds. Once I got done playing football, since I was an Exercise Science major, I started applying some of the things that I had learned and fell in love with the weight room. Working out, I ended up dropping about 90 pounds and got down to like 225.”

Driven by his own transformation and armed with a degree in Exercise Science, Coach Campbell found his calling in the weight room. His passion for fitness and helping others achieve their goals led him to coaching, first at a small gym in St. Louis, then to the University of Arizona’s football strength and conditioning staff, where he honed his skills and gained invaluable experience working with athletes at the collegiate level.

Returning to Mascoutah, Coach Campbell’s journey came full circle as he embraced a role at his alma mater. Starting as an individual care aide, he transitioned to become a physical education teacher, bringing his expertise and passion for fitness to the next generation. His impact extended beyond the weight room, fostering a culture of dedication, resilience, and camaraderie among his students.

Under Coach Campbell’s guidance, Mascoutah High’s strength and conditioning program flourished, growing from a modest group to over 550 students. His innovative approach, combining fundamental movements with creative workouts and games, resonated with students, instilling in them a love for fitness and a drive for excellence.

The recognition as the 2024 Illinois State Coach of the Year is not just a testament to Coach Campbell’s individual achievements but a celebration of the collective effort of the Mascoutah community. From fellow coaches and administrators to his wife, Jordyn, whose unwavering support has been instrumental, Coach Campbell acknowledges that his success is a shared journey. Jordyn played basketball at Saint Louis University (SLU), making sports a defining factor in both of their lives.

“Jordyn helps me out with stuff even though she doesn’t have to. Like there’ll be times in the summer we need to put down markings for a drill called ‘wickets’ that help with max speed running and she’s out there putting markings down with me in 100 degree weather.”

In 2023, Coach Campbell became a father and took a step back from coaching track, to both focus on football and to focus on being a father.

As Coach Campbell reflects on his journey, he remains grounded in his “why” – the desire to make a positive impact in the lives of his students, both on and off the field. His legacy extends far beyond wins and losses; it’s measured in the lives he’s touched, the transformations he’s inspired and the spirit of unity and resilience he’s cultivated within the Mascoutah community.