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Frazier to play in all-star charity football game
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| By: Rachel Westberg |
March 11, 2009 |
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Jake Frazier
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For the second year in a row, the Chetek football team can boast in seeing one of its own playing in the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association's all-star charity Shrine Bowl.
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The Shrine Bowl benefits the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin and raises money for children who are receiving treatment there.
The game will be held July 18 at the J.J. Keller Field at Titan Stadium on the UW-Oshkosh campus. The team is selected by coaches throughout the state from a group of players nominated by area coaches. Jake Frazier was named an all-region player this year (a requirement to be considered for the game) and after sifting through all-region players was also named an all-state player. Of the all-state players, a group of seniors are chosen to play in the Shrine Bowl. Out of hundreds of nominations, only about 45 are selected to play for the team from Northern Wisconsin in the north versus south match-up.
Frazier, a 5-foot 10-inch, 197-pound Chetek senior, had 54 solo tackles, 88 assists, four sacks and four fumble recoveries over the 2008 season. Although it is linebacker skills that got him into the all-star game, Frazier also ran for more than 1,000 yards as a full-back this year. His efforts earned him several other honors, in addition to the all-state game.
"It is really an honor to be noticed by coaches in the area," says Chetek football head coach Jay Dachel. "He was named an all-state honorable mention player two years in a row and was named first team on the all-conference this year on both sides of the ball-offense and defense. It is pretty special if you figure coaches think you're the best player at two positions. That doesn't happen a lot. Jake wasn't named a captain this year, but he was a leader of the team. He was the type of player that if it was fourth down and we needed an inch, he's wanted the ball or said, 'You're going to run behind me.'"
Frazier is only the third person in Chetek history to be named to the team. Mike Schaaf, a 2007 Chetek graduate, played in the same game last year. The competition Frazier will be up against will be tough, with Divison I recruits likely showing their skills as well. But Frazier is ready for the challenge.
"I'm pretty excited," says Frazier. "It means a lot when you're only the third person from the school to play in the game. I've accomplished something a lot of people haven't. I'm excited for the opportunity. I hope to go out and play like I always have and show I deserve to be on the team. It is a great way to end my high school football career."
Frazier even received some tips from Schaaf about playing in the game.
"He told me to work hard and practice, because that determines how much playing time you'll see," Frazier recalls.
For Dachel, seeing the excellence of the football program recognized two years in a row has been special. Before Schaaf, the school had to return to Kirk Haugenstuen in 1978 before another Chetek player was named to play in the game.
"It is huge for the program," notes Dachel. "And it is a huge compliment for the kids and the time they put into the game. It also helps the younger kids, because they see what the others are doing and know they can build the program, too."
While the honor comes few and far between, ultimately, the game is about the children who benefit from the game.
"I want to help as much as I can," says Frazier. "The game is mostly about helping the Children's Hospital and I like to help any kid get better so they can lead the life ahead of them. We get to meet the kids the day before the event, so it should be a lot of fun. "
To play in the game, Frazier must raise at least $500, but he hopes to raise $2,000. Sponsorship in the event comes in three categorical contributions: the First Down Club, $5-$25; the Field Goal Club, $26-$75; and the Touchdown Club, $76 and up. Contributions can be sent to: Jake Frazier, 752 19-1/2 Street, Chetek, WI 54728. Checks should be made payable to the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association.
Frazier is the son of Brian and Beverly Frazier, of Chetek.
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©The Chetek Alert 2010
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