HONOLULU - University of Hawai'i Athletics Director Herman Frazier gained a prestigious honor from his alma mater, Arizona State University, when he was presented with the school's Lifetime Achievement Award at the third annual Sparky Awards, held May 1, in Tempe, Ariz.
The Sparky's, modeled after the ESPY's, honors Sun Devil student-athletes for their excellence in athletics and academics. The Sparky Awards celebrate and recognize both team and individual accomplishments throughout the year.
Frazier brought both national and international attention to Arizona State in his nearly three-decade association with the university. He was an eight-time All-American and captained ASU's 1977 national championship track and field team. Frazier was also a member of the gold medal winning team at the 1976 Olympic Games. After graduating in 1977 with a degree in political science, Frazier remained at ASU for the next 23 years serving as a senior associate athletic director for business and operations, associate director of athletics, assistant director of operations, director of athletic facilities, and assistant director of events and facilities.
The award is one of a litany of honors the 51-year-old Frazier has received in recent years. In 2001, he received the NCAA Silver Anniversary Award, which recognizes former student-athletes who have distinguished themselves after completing their collegiate athletic careers 25 years ago. Frazier arrived on the UH Manoa campus in 2002 and a year later Sports Illustrated tabbed him one of the 101 most influential minorities in sports. His most recent honor came from the NCAA again, when he was named one of the "100 Most Influential Student-Athletes", a group which includes those who have made a significant impact or major contributions to society.
Frazier was also honored yesterday, when Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann officially declared May 15 as "Herman Frazier Day" at The Honolulu Quarterback Club's weekly luncheon.
"My parents were strong advocates of education," Frazier said. "Today is a tribute to them. I try to instill that in our student-athletes. I have always stated, wherever I have been, that the student-athletes come first. You cannot run an athletics department without keeping that at the forefront of your decision-making."
The proclamation reads:
Whereas, members of the Honolulu Quarterback Club are ardent sports fans and impassioned "Monday-morning quarterbacks," who regularly honor and recognize athletes, coaches and individuals for significant achievements and contributions to sports in Hawaii; and
Whereas, the Club will honor Herman Ronald Frazier for his leadership and accomplishments as the University of Hawai`i Athletics Director, May 15; and
Whereas, the former track champion an Olympic medallist has successfully streamlined the UH Athletic Department, secured major corporate sponsorships, and continues to be a strong advocate for the student-athletes and the University; and
Whereas, Mr. Frazier recently announced that UH is expected to have a profitable sports program this fiscal year, and successfully campaigned for a waiver of rent at Aloha Stadium that will save the UH football program nearly $350,000 each year; and
Whereas, he generously contributes to our community by speaking to groups and serving on boards, and is also actively involved in the national and international sports communities,
Now therefore, I, Mufi Hannemann, Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu, do hereby proclaim May 15, 2006, as
HERMAN FRAZIER DAY
In the City and County of Honolulu to recognize his outstanding accomplishments, and valuable contributions and dedication to the University of Hawai`i.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City and County of Honolulu to be affixed.
Done this 15th day of May, 2006, in Honolulu, Hawai`i.
-UH-
