“RIP”: Track and Field World Mourns Loss of Virginia’s 23-Year-Old NCAA Star

Frank Csorba was scheduled to run at an event at the ODAC Outdoor Championships in Bridgewater on Friday and Saturday. Born on Dec. 12, 2000, he had a variety of interests apart from running. He was a criminology student in the master of public health program and loved the book ‘Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince’. Unfortunately, he unexpectedly passed away on April 23, 2024. He was only 23.

He was surrounded by a loving family, including his parents, Jessica and Alex Csorba, and two siblings, Alex and Julie. The cause of death has not been made public yet. Csorba’s passing away at a young age has left a void in the hearts of his family, teammates, coaches, and fans alike. After all, he competed just weeks ago. He last ran at the Raleigh Relays-NC State where it took him 13:56 in the 5K event. This time ended up being the time to beat. What’s interesting is that he didn’t intend to compete there at all. He had told his coach he didn’t want to run.

His training hadn’t been going well and so he went into the race with

“no expectations”. And that’s exactly what turned out to be a boon for him. As per his own admission, it was the “biggest blessing in the world to have no tension, no expectation.”

His sudden passing has been difficult for his family. His mother took to Instagram to thank people for their support.

“As Frank’s mom I want to thank everyone for your condolences. He was the best son and brother! We are proud of all he has done and will miss him greatly. Please hug and love one another and hold them tight. Frank was a champion and still is in his passing!”

Additionally, Lynchburg Distance wrote in an Instagram post, 

“It is with extremely heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our brother, teammate, and friend Frank Csorba. Since his first steps on campus, Frank was a light to so many, epitomizing the power of joy in the journey.”

The Instagram post added that he was not only very motivated but also inspired others.

“Through the years, he lifted others to reach the impossible and smiled with every run. As a champion, warrior, and leader, he fought persistently to continue battling for his team. While we knew and loved our groundbreaking, record-setting national champion, we treasure the beautiful memories we have shared with our brother.”

But coming back to his achievements, in his junior year, Csorba had a highly successful cross-country season, achieving three top-15 results out of five. This is considered one of the best performances in the program’s history. He also raced to victory at Rowan’s Inter-Regional Border Battle (24:42.7), a time that bumped him to second on the program’s all-time list.

Since 2021, Csorba contributed national-level scoring for Lynchburg, thereby lifting the program to a new height. Some of his remarkable record times include 4:08 in the mile, 29:37 in the 10,000m, 13:56 in the 5000m, and 8:06 in the 3000m. In fact, according to the university’s athletics department, Frank’s journey was at its peak in 2021.

2021: NCAA Division III Outdoor All-America- 10,000m

2021: NCAA Division III Outdoor National Qualifier- 5,000m, 10,000 m

2021: USTFCCCA Outdoor All-South/Southeast Region- 5,000m, 10,000m

2021: VaSID Outdoor All-State- Distance

2021: ODAC Outdoor Champion- 10,000m

2021: ODAC Outdoor All-Conference- 5,000m

2021: USTFCCCA Indoor All-South/Southeast Region- 1-mile, 3,000m, 5,000m

2021: VaSID Indoor All-State: Distance

2021: ODAC Indoor All-Conference- 1-mile, 3,000m, 5,000m

The untimely passing of such a talent has caused ripples across the track community, and many from across the globe have paid tribute and expressed their condolences.

Frank Csorba’s legacy won’t be forgotten

Several “RIP” messages filled the comments section of the Lynchburg Distance’s tribute post. Csorba’s fans remembered the 2022 NCAA Division III South Region Cross Country Championships talent by celebrating his legacy. In the 8K race, Csorba achieved a second-place finish with a time of 25 minutes, 16.3 seconds. Recalling that, one fan said they would miss the track and field star’s legacy, which he created at a young age. “Rest in peace, Frank. Your legacy will never be forgotten.”

His death may remind people of other names like Flo-Jo and Torie Bowie. However, Flo-Jo (38) passed away in her sleep due to a seizure, whereas Bowie (32) passed away due to complications of childbirth. So Csorba’s death comes across as a very shocking case.

Notably, during his last race during the 2022 season, the NCAA Division III Cross Country Championships, he fell ill with an asthma attack and could not finish the race. But that did not deter him from achieving what he could in the following seasons. Indeed, with such determination, he would have added more moments for the records book had he continued his journey. His words after Raleigh relays reflected that. He was asked about his plan ahead.

He had revealed, “Either 5k or 10k is the focus.” He had also ruled out taking part in 20k, since according to him, “I don’t do well of doubles.” But his future plans are never to reach fruition, as a fan expressed with heavy hearts, “My heart hurts..” But Csorba was not quite sure about his participation in the Raleigh relays.

A six First-Team All-American honors across three seasons, told after the race, “I actually told Jake yesterday…our coach…I didn’t want to run today…training has not been going well…” Thankfully, he changed his mind, which was why the enthusiasts could see the champion one last time. Because of the huge number of accolades as a celebrated student-athlete at Lynchburg Athletics, enthusiasts acknowledged his contribution to the sport, “A huge light in this sport and for Lynchburg.” Recalling Csorba’s compassionate nature, one fan wrote, “One of the kindest dudes I’ve ever known.” As he leaves for a better world beyond race, competition, and tension, we pray for eternal bliss for his soul!