Teacher-in Training

Frank Fronhofer doesn't exactly remember the details of first time he wrestled competitively.

It might have something to do with the fact that he got pinned, as his first wrestling coach, his father Frank Sr., recalls.

But more likely, Fronhofer--a senior Co-Captain of the Harvard wrestling team--doesn't remember the particulars because, well, he was four years old.

Still, Fronhofer has collected plenty of other memories about which to reminiace in his 18-year career, ranging from that mediocre performance in the seven-and-under division of a local tournament to a berth in the NCAA individual championships in the 150-lb. weight class this year.

Before college, the Salem, N.Y. native had already collected three New York State Wrestling titles--at 91, 98 and 105 lbs.--and six Empire State Game medals (not to mention several 40 and 45-lb. weight class trophies from his youth).

Fronhofer started his collegiate wrestling career at 126 lbs., and earned a spot on the varsity in time to compete at Easterns. He finished the tournament with a respectable 2-2 record.

But between his freshman and sophomore years, the Mathematics concentrator jumped to 142 lbs. and had to re-tune his style.

In the lower weight classes, Fronhofer's speed and agility and his ability to analyze the styles of his opponents helped him beat older, more experienced wrestlers.

"In the higher weight classes, wrestlers are more powerful," Fronhofer says. "I grew, and my style had to change."

In his junior year, Fronhofer's collegiate career began to take off, as he found his niche at 150 lbs., finishing fourth at the Coast Guard Tournament and fourth at Easterns.

And his senior season? Fronhofer himself said it best when he noted laconically. "I think I hit my peak this year."

In addition to a third-place finish in the Coast Guard tournament, Fronhofer won his weight class at the Millersville University tourney and became the first Harvard wrestler in over 50--count'em, 50--years to win an Eastern title.

At the NCAA's, Fronhofer earned a 2-2 record and was two matches away from being an All-American, which was "very respectable--but I could've done better," according to the Kirkland House senior.

Still, "I wouldn't change anything about my four years at Harvard," Fronhofer says sincerely.

In addition to giving his all to the sport, Fronhofer found time to make an impact at Harvard off the mat--and on the road.

"I drove the shuttle bus my sophomore, junior and part of my senior year," Fronhofer laughs nostalgically.

But while driving a Harvard shuttle bus for three years was "a lot of fun," Fronhofer has been nurturing much nobler aspirations for the future.

Involved in the Undergraduate Teacher Education Program, Fronhofer taught pre-algebra, algebra and general applied math at, Waltham High School this semester, and is applying for teaching positions in Western Massachusetts and rural New York.

"I want to coach and teach in the kind of place I grew up in," Fronhofer says.

Two of Fronhofer's most significant role models, his father and Harvard Wrestling Coach Jim Peckham, have the greatest faith in his assured success and happiness.

"I'm gonna bet the mortgage that he's going to be a great teacher and coach," Peckham says.

"He's a great motivator, and he knows how to break down the sport mentally," Fronhofer's father says. "He's picked a profession nicely."

From a brood truly dedicated to the sport--at one time, three Fronhofer wrestled for the Salem High School team--Fronhofer has had extremely supportive family and coaches that have encouraged and enhanced his career.

But Peckham gave the most credit to the individual who worked the hardest--Fronhofer himself.

"Wrestling is a difficult sport to master--it requires dedication and hard work, and a great deal of personal effort," Peckham says. "Frank has all of these things."