Iola High School officials may have found a fitting tribute to the late Wendy Frazell — by reflecting upon Frazell’s love of patriotism and youth athletics. WITH THE $2,500 in hand, school officials — upon the Frazell descendants’ suggestion — will look into purchasing an automated flag system that would lower the American flag in the IHS gym while the national anthem is played at different sporting events.
Frazell, a long-time teacher and coach in Iola, died at his home on New Years Day. He was 87.
Memorials to the IHS athletics department raised about $2,500, which Frazell’s four children donated to the school Wednesday.
“Our father was born and raised here, and he loved Iola,” said Iolan Linda Monninger, Frazell’s daughter. “He was so happy when he got to come back here in 1962.”
Monninger was joined by her brothers, Kent, Jay Don and Craig, for Wednesday’s check presentation.
Wendell “Wendy” Frazell taught and coached at IHS for 28 years, retiring in 1990.
Frazell brought his military background — he served in the Navy during World War II — to the classroom, teaching precision marching and marksmanship (using a bow and arrow) in his physical education classes.
“He would get so mad if you got out of step,” Jay Don Frazell recalled with a chuckle.
Such as system costs about $3,000.
Martin Bambick, IHS athletics director, said the school has started to look at the logistics, to ensure the system will work with the gymnasium’s ceiling.
“I think we can make something work,” Bambick said.
On hand for the check presentation were IHS football coach Doug Kerr and track and cross country coach Marv Smith, a former colleague of Frazell’s.
Smith regaled the group with a number of stories about Frazell, and his love of fishing, athletics and current and former Iola High students.
Family, school honor late coach’s legacy
