Francis “Fran” Carl Dittrich was born in Detroit, Michigan on June 17, 1910. Dittrich grew up in the Detroit area and attended Eastern High School, where he was recognized for his talents as a runner, hurdler, and jumper. Following his graduation, Dittrich attended Michigan State College from 1931-1936, serving on the Freshman Track Team, holding positions as Varsity Club Secretary and Treasurer, and as a Track Co-Captain in 1936. Dittrich earned All-American honors in 1935 and 1936, placed fifth at the 1936 NCAA Championships, and graduated in 1936 with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education. Following his time as a student at Michigan State, Dittrich was appointed as a Track & Field and Cross Country Assistant Coach in 1938, serving in the position for three seasons before becoming State’s field events specialist for seventeen years. Also during this time, Dittrich served as a Captain in the U.S. Naval Reserves during World War II, being enlisted in 1944 and discharged in 1946. Returning to Michigan State in the events specialist position, Dittrich eventually became the Track & Field and Cross Country Head Coach during the 1958-1959 season, and held the position through the 1974-1975 season. Under his leadership, Michigan State won three Big Ten Titles, as well as team championships in 1962 and 1963. Dittrich married Lee Forster Dittrich, and together they had one daughter, Frances C. Dittrich. Following his retirement in 1975, the Dittrich family remained in the area until Francis Carl Dittrich Jr.’s death on September 7, 1985.