Bucknell University Athletics
Self-Taught Dan Frake Looks to Continue Success
12/16/2005 7:00:00 AM | Men's Track and Field
Dec. 16, 2005
By Julie Moses, Bucknell Athletic Communications
From the moment senior Dan Frake chose to attend Bucknell and participate on the men's track and field team, he knew he wanted to be a part of something great and make an impact.
"As a freshman I came in knowing the legacy of coach Art Gulden and Bucknell's men's track and field program," says Frake. "All I could think about my freshman year was that I wanted to contribute in any way I could."
Since then, Frake has done more than just contribute. In fact, last season he earned a third-place finish in the hammer throw at the Patriot League Outdoor Championships and qualified for the IC4A Outdoor Championships, where he finished 10th. This season, he plans on being a strong competitor at both the indoor and outdoor Patriot League Championships this upcoming season in the shot put, hammer and the discus competitions.
"I want to do whatever I can to help our team develop back into a major powerhouse of track and field," he remarks. "Specifically, I expect to contribute to the team by scoring points in the shot put indoors, while also contending for the Patriot League title in the hammer. I also hope to score points in both the discus and the shot put in outdoors."
The senior from Northport, N.Y. has been competing in throwing events since he was a freshman in high school, where he can truly say he taught himself everything he knew.
"Our high school did not have enough funds for a throws coach so I first learned from watching other talented throwers and did my best to mimic their movements," explains Frake.
In order to master the art of throwing, Frake has worked extremely hard over the past three years, and although the hammer throw is probably his best event, it also serves as his toughest test.
"Even though I throw the hammer the farthest in comparison to my other events, it is definitely the toughest," he says. "Technically it is the most difficult and takes years to master. One small mistake and you could be lying flat on your face."
Helping him perfect the hammer technique and overcome other difficulties along his three-year journey with the Bison has been throws coach Bob Schanbacher.
"We have some of the best coaches in the country," he remarks, "specifically coach Schanbacher, who has taught the hammer throw, and in less than three years, I am competing at the regional level. He is definitely more than a coach to me, he is a lifelong friend."
The senior captain does his best to stay focused and give everything he has, both mentally and physically in both practices and at meets, which is something he hopes his teammates will see and follow his lead.
"I try to lead others by working as hard as I can for as long as I can, until my body gives out," says Frake. "Leading by example is probably the best way to motivate another athlete. When other people see me focusing before an event, they know not to talk to me. I get in a zone where no one will be able to affect me; that is, if you talk to me, you may not get an answer. When people see this I hope they get motivated and focused themselves."
Competing at the Division I level is a task which takes a lot of sacrifice, dedication and mental toughness.
"When my body is not feeling at 100 percent, I have learned to compensate with my mental toughness, convincing myself that when I step into the circle to throw, I do not feel any pain," remarks Frake. "Mentally, I know I need to relax. As most athletes know, your muscles will work their best when they are relaxed."
In his final year at Bucknell, Frake has learned things that cannot be taught on the track or in the classroom.
"Bucknell has taught me many different subjects, but the important thing I've learned here is that some things and people are not always what or who they seem to be," he says, "From this I have learned to be more skeptical and ask more questions."
After graduation, Frake plans on working for a few years in the financial services industry. From there, he hopes to attain his MBA and make an impact in the world of business.
