"Pops" graduates with honors

by Lisa Sisk

His Gamecock football teammates called him Pops.

His fellow School of Journalism and Mass Communications students referred to him as the quiet, studious type and his professors said he is a role model for other students.

His six children, of course, call him Dad, and the other Army Rangers with whom he served his country knew him as Sgt. Frisby.

And on Saturday, Aug. 11, the Carolina community offered up a new name for Tim Frisby — college graduate.

Frisby, 42, received his Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, with a concentration in Public Relations, at the 10:30 a.m., ceremony at the University of South Carolina Colonial Center. He joined other August graduates as they shook President Andrew Sorensen’s hand and basked in good wishes and congratulations from family and friends.

His Carolina football story is chiseled in NCAA history and legendary among Gamecock fans. He retired from the Army after 20 years and resumed his college education, choosing USC. He long had dreamed of playing college football, and became a walk-on at age 39. Former Coach Lou Holtz recognized his athleticism and determination and put him on the team. Current Coach Steve Spurrier insisted Frisby would get a catch and the rest is a bit of history. Appearances on ESPN and on late night talk shows with Jay Leno and David Letterman, a Disney World of Sports Spirit Award and an ABC Keith Jackson Award for Excellence are only a few examples of the national recognition Frisby has received while at USC.

In his quiet, driven, way, Frisby did not allow his fame to interfere with his studies. Academically, he is a star as well. He maintained a 3.8 average and graduated cum laude. In February, he was named a Most Promising Minority Student by the American Advertising Federation.

Frisby, his wife, Anna, and their six children live in northeast Columbia. Extended family — including his mother, who lives in Pennsylvania, and three of his four brothers and their families —descended on the Frisby home for a joyous celebration of Tim’s accomplishments and achievements.

And while they may call him husband, father, son or brother, they all happily have added that other name — University of South Carolina alumnus.