Long time Claremore Football Coaches
Biography
Frank Mobra and John Smith sit down for a lively walk down memory from their perspectives as legendary coaches for Claremore Public Schools.
Frank Mobra was a man of character, integrity and one who did things the right way – whether coaching, teaching or raising a family. Coach Mobra prided himself in the Zebra athletic program. As the Zebras CHS Head Coach, Mobra went 53-40-2 and led Claremore to the state playoffs in 1969, 1970 and 1972. The legacy of Frank Mobra long lives on in Claremore with the bearing of his name on the ‘Field House’ adjacent to the high school.
There are thousands of stories that will be told by all that had the privilege of knowing Frank Mobra — the man, Marine, All-American football player, fisherman, coach, Athletic Director, teacher or just as a friend.
Equally as well known as High School Head Football Coach and Athletic Director Frank Mobra, was John Smith – Junior High Football Coach and Oklahoma History teacher. In the early years, John ran the Claremore City swimming pool where he taught many students how to swim, which was one of his greatest feelings of accomplishment. John’s passion for sports led to a successful coaching career. He coached football and basketball for 24 years where he had a major impact on a significant number of Claremore students’ lives, including those in his Oklahoma History class. He taught in the Claremore Public School system for 28 years. He also spent many summers teaching students how to drive in Driver’s Education. He was inducted into the first class of the Claremore High School Sports Hall of Fame.
Friends and co-horts their entire coaching careers, Frank Mobra and John Smith are local legends who had a major impact on all the students and athletes that crossed their paths.