Frank Yanik

Frank Yanik, one of the greatest players in the history of semipro football, died at home on February 12, 2024 following an illness. He was 66-years-old.

The son of Donelle M. and the late Frankie E. Yanik, Frank was born on April 21, 1957 at Westside Hospital in Scranton. He attended local schools and graduated from West Scranton in 1975.

Frank excelled as an athlete from an early age, eventually becoming one of the top running backs in NEPA history. The tough-as-nails fullback led his Invader squad to the Big 11 championship during his senior season. Yanik rushed for a league-best 1,275 yards, scored 12 touchdowns and earned Honorable Mention All-State status.

On the strength of those achievements, Yanik earned a full scholarship to attend Southwest State University, a Division 1-AA school in Minnesota. He played there for two years, setting a freshman rushing record and then receiving First Team All-Conference recognition as a sophomore.

Yanik transferred to Bloomsburg University for his junior year and quickly took over as the Huskies’ starting fullback. Unfortunately, an injury prematurely ended his collegiate career, but it also opened up a life-changing opportunity.

In 1980, Frank was signed by the semipro Binghamton Jets and immediately began attracting attention as a bona fide star in the Atlantic Football Conference. Yanik rushed for 1,385 yards and scored 21 touchdowns in just 13 games.

That performance earned Yanik a contract with the Hamilton Tiger Cats of the professional Canadian Football League.

Upon returning home, Yanik was recruited by the fledgling Scranton Eagles, a semipro team competing in the Empire Football League. It turned out to be a perfect match as Yanik quickly became the face of a franchise that captured three national championships.

In 1982, he rushed for nearly 2,000 yards and 26 touchdowns en route to being named the EFL’s Most Valuable Player.

By 1983, Yanik had once again turned heads at the professional level. He was signed by the New Jersey Generals of the United States Football League and became the team’s starting fullback leading the way for Hall of Famer Herschel Walker.

Yanik returned to the Eagles in 1984 and began an unprecedented reign as king of semipro football. Frank eventually closed out his playing career after 10 seasons with the Eagles. He amassed an eye-popping total of 15,685 yards and 252 touchdowns.

Yanik was named EFL Most Valuable Player three times and voted to the semipro All-National Team seven times. He played a key role in leading the Eagles to seven league and three national titles. Yanik was inducted into the American Football Association Hall of Fame in 1990. He’s also a member of the Lackawanna and Luzerne County halls.

While Yanik will undoubtedly be remembered for his on-field achievements, these were just one part of a life well-lived. Frank and Roxanne Spinozza Locker were married in 1979 and ran a highly successful painting business, FRY Design, for many years. He was also a devoted family man, a loyal friend who always wanted to help, and the best of teammates.

Frank worked hard and played hard, often saying with a laugh that he “partied like a rock star.” He will be deeply missed by family, friends and teammates … none of whom will ever forget him.

Frank is survived by his mother, Donelle M. Yanik and sister, Sylvia “Cynde” Yanik; nephew , Dylan Cole Kragel and partner Samantha Newell; grand nephew William Haley Kragel; grand niece Daenerys Kragel; grand nephews Ezreal and Visarys Kragel; niece Siena Maka Kragel and partner Trevor Dean; cousin Simon Yanik; Stan Yanik and wife Ellen, their children Stanley, John Yanik and Elyssa Frye; cousin Donalynn Y. Martin and husband Bernard Martin, their daughters Jaqueline and Gabrielle Martin.

Frank was preceded in death by his father Frankie E. Yanik.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Donahue Funeral Home in Scranton.

A small private gathering is planned for Frank’s Scranton Eagle teammates in the near future. A larger “celebration of life” is also planned at the convenience of the family. Date, time and location to be announced.