Oklahoma native named October Student of Month at Cowley

Tim Frick had a decision to make: Stay in his home state of Oklahoma and attend Oklahoma State University on an academic scholarship, or go to Cowley on a tennis scholarship.

He chose the latter.

Frick, 19, the son of Penny and Steve Frick, is the October Student of the Month at Cowley. Frick is a sophomore business administration major and a 2001 graduate of Ponca City High School. He has one older sister, Abby 21, and has both sets of grandparents living in Ponca City. They are Ron and Trudy Frick and Richard and Aldena Crumm.

Besides men's tennis, Frick is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, Peers Advocating Wellness for Students, is on the Food Service Committee,serves as an English tutor, and is a resident assistant in the William R. Docking Dormitory.

He wasn't expecting the honor.

"I was very surprised," Frick said. "There's like 4,000 students here, so it was amazing to me that I could be picked out of all those people."

He was, and it isn't difficult to see why. Frick holds a 3.92 grade-point average (he received a B in accounting II), and is well-known on campus. He was a contestant in the Mr. CinderFella Pageant last spring, and was a volunteer for the Head Start book reading program that the Cowley men's tennis team participated in this fall. Frick said a Student of the Month is "someone who is involved, is a good student, and is a hard worker. And it's someone who gets his or her name around campus, well-known."

Although Frick was born and raised in Ponca City, he and his family moved to Shawnee almost immediately after he graduated high school. His father was plant manager for Air System Components in Ponca City, but always wanted to become his own boss. He and his wife now own and operate Finley Cleaners, a dry-cleaning store, in Shawnee. "My dad always told me to find a job where I could be my own boss," Tim said.

With that in mind, it's no surprise that Frick plans to transfer to the University of Oklahoma to study pre-law. His eventual goal is to attend law school at OU, then find a job. "My dad didn't want me to come to Cowley this year," Frick said. "He wanted me to pursue law school right away. I'd like to join a nice law firm or have my own."

Frick only decided on law for a career at the start of the fall semester. What he hasn't narrowed down is what type of lawyer he wants to become.

Last year, as a freshman, Frick played No. 3 doubles. He and his partner finished second in the Region VI Tournament. This fall, which is a tune-up for the spring 2003 season, Frick has played No. 6 singles, a spot he's not accustomed to.

"In high school, I played doubles, never singles," Frick said. "I know the technique of doubles. That's my strength." His senior season at PCHS, Frick and his partner finished fourth in the state at No. 1 doubles. He savors his time the Tiger tennis team.

"No question about it, I made the right decision by coming here," Frick said. "I love this place. It's a great place. This summer, I couldn't wait to come back. It's a great school and a great campus. "And I've enjoyed coach (Larry) Grose and the tennis team. We're all best friends. Our chemistry as a team is incredible."

Frick admits he's a bit shy. He always has been. But he believes he has the personality to become a successful attorney. "I think I do," he said. "Plus, you'll develop that certain personality and certain skills you need to become a good lawyer." He said he watches a few of the law shows on television, but he's most fond of the movie "A Few Good Men." "That's one of my favorite movies," Frick said.

Frick is a fierce competitor on the court, but knows when to take it down a notch when playing for the fun of it. "I play a bunch of sports," he said. "Golf, basketball, and now I'm involved in intramurals. I like hanging out with friends and family. At this level (of tennis), I'm always a competitor. But for recreation, I just go out and have fun." Frick said his father, who holds a degree from OSU, has had the most influence on him thus far.

"He always told me to be the best I can be," Frick said. "That's what I try to do in athletics and academics. He instilled good moral values and work ethics in me. No question, I wouldn't be here without his inspiration and support."