Met Writers Release April 23, 2014 (Tarrytown, N.Y.) – Former Fordham University director of athletics and current Associate Vice President of Student Affairs for Athletic Alumni Relations and External Affairs/Athletic Director Emeritus
Frank McLaughlin received the Metropolitan Basketball Writers Association Distinguished Service Award at the 81st NIT/MBWA Haggerty Awards dinner at the Westchester Marriott on Tuesday.
A 1969 Fordham graduate and standout basketball student-athlete, McLaughlin captained the Rams during his senior season and was drafted by the New York Knicks following graduation. He went on to become an assistant coach at the College of the Holy Cross and after a season there returned to Fordham as an assistant under Richard "Digger" Phelps in 1970-71, helping the Rams to a 26-3 record (.897) and an NCAA Tournament appearance. Fordham finished the season with a ranking of ninth in the nation.
McLaughlin moved to Notre Dame with Phelps the following year where he was a major part of the Fighting Irish's program through his outstanding recruiting and academic guidance. He led the Irish to consistent national rankings and NCAA Tournament bids.
In 1977, McLaughlin was named the head coach at Harvard University, where he remained for eight years. In his final season he compiled a 15-9 mark, and currently ranks fourth in both seasons and wins in Crimson history.
Following his stint at Harvard, McLaughlin returned to Fordham to serve as the director of athletics from 1985 until his promotion to his current position in July of 2012.
During McLaughlin's time as athletic director, the Rams experienced success both on and off the playing fields. Since 1985, Fordham has won 26 conference championships, including the 2011 Atlantic 10 softball title last spring, the 2010 Atlantic 10 Women's Swimming Championship, and two Patriot League football championships.
Academically, Fordham annually ranks among the leaders in the number of student-athletes named to the Atlantic 10 Commissioner's Honor Roll and has routinely been among the national leaders in NCAA Academic Progress Rates, ranking 18th in the country in 2011.
McLaughlin has served as the president of the Metropolitan Intercollegiate Basketball Association (MIBA) which was responsible for the preseason and postseason National Invitation Tournaments.
