Related Articles:
Brave heart | Stilley the one | Score one for the home team | Net gain | Terrific Terry

Speed demon

TCU -- also known as Sprinter U. -- produced another All-American speedster this summer, Michael Frater.

The sophomore from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., finished fourth in the 100 meters at the 2002 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, recording a time of 10.40 seconds in a stiff headwind.

"I'm not completely satisfied," said Frater, above. "But I can't complain about being the fourth fastest guy in the collegiate circuit. I'm All-American this year, and that's a start."

Frater's "start" is pretty darned good. Named as the Conference USA Male Track Athlete of the Year, he enjoyed some memorable outings in 2002. His best time in the 100 was 10.05 seconds, second best nationally. His 20.45-second time in the 200 meters was fast enough to automatically qualify him for the NCAAs, but he bowed out of the event to concentrate on the 100.

Frater also propelled the 4x100 team, on which he runs second, to the national title race. A mishap with the baton hand-off disqualified the team.

Frater, who posts some equally impressive numbers in the classroom (3.48 GPA entering the season), has international sprinting experience as well. This summer he took the silver medal in the 100 meters in the Jamaica National Championships.

Meet TCU's next great sprinter. Catch him if you can.