Mackie Freeze

Sport: BaseballCoachFootball

Induction Year: 2020

University: Grambling

His 116-23 football coaching record after starting the program at Monroe’s Richwood HS from 1954-67 (before desegregation) included a state-record run of 56 wins in a row and four consecutive state titles (1961-64). More importantly, he helped more than 65 southside youngsters in the Monroe area find their way to college on athletic scholarships.

Eleven of Freeze’s players were drafted or signed to pro football contracts — including Don Zimmerman (Philadelphia Eagles), Eugene Hughes (St. Louis), Goldie Sellers (Denver/Kansas City), Louisiana Sports Hall of Famer Joe Profit (Atlanta/New Orleans) and Amos Augustine (Los Angeles Rams).

Freeze also has impressive credentials as an athlete at Grambling. He pitched the baseball team to a national title under the late coach R.W.E. Jones. Freeze never lost a game on the mound at Grambling and even subbed — though, at Jones’ direction, quite sparingly — as a guard on the football team under Eddie Robinson, despite not playing football previously.

The Dodgers signed Freeze out of college, and he participated in training camp with Jackie Robinson, Pee Wee Reese and Roy Campanella. Freeze graduated from Grambling in 1950 with a degree in elementary education. He later earned a master’s degree in education from Southern.

After military service, Freeze began his coaching career at Montgomery High. He was in the second-ever class of the Grambling Legends hall of fame. He is 94 years old as of June 2021, making him the oldest person ever enshrined in the LSHOF.