Hall of Fame
Frederic was a member of the Findlay College class of 1956, majoring in education. He retired from the State Highway Patrol in 1992, following 28 years of service. After transferring from the University of Georgia to Findlay College in 1947. Hirsimaki was the starting defensive halfback on the FC football team in 1947 and 1948. He was the starting forward on the FC basketball team during the same years. He earned letters in both sports. After college, he played professional baseball for the Pittsburgh Pirates farm system for three years. He was forced to quite due to a shoulder injury. He coached in the Findlay Youth Baseball Program for 14 years. A participant in master’s track and field events, Hirsimaki’s career was highlighted by a bronze medal in the 65-69 age division 100-meter hurdles and placing in five other events at the 1991 World Veteran Games in Finland. On a national level, he qualified for the 1991 U.S. Senior Olympics in the 65-69 age division, established and age group high jump record of 4’8 at the U.S. National Seniors Sports Classic and set the 60-64 world record of 56.4 seconds in the 330-meter hurdles during the 1986 Florida Masters. Hirsimaki was named to the Hancock County Sports Hall of Fame in 1993. In addition to his sports activities, Hirsimaki serves on the Blanchard Valley Hospital Auxiliary and is a trustee at St. marks United Methodist Church. He is the provost marshal for the China, Burma, India Veterans Group in Toledo. Hirsimaki and his wife, Colleen, reside in Findlay. They have one daughter, Karen.
