Sept. 23, 2004

Columbia, S.C. – Tim Frisby, the 39-year-old walk-on wide receiver for the University of South Carolina football team, has been granted eligibility to compete in intercollegiate athletics by the NCAA membership services staff. Frisby, who has been practicing with the Gamecock squad since last spring, is expected to dress out for this Saturday’s game against Troy University (7 p.m. at Williams-Brice Stadium).

Frisby served in the United States Army for 20 years, where he was a member of the Rangers Division. He finished his career in the service this past year while stationed at Fort Jackson in Columbia. He caught a pass in USC’s final preseason scrimmage. Frisby did dress out for Carolina’s game against Georgia Sept. 11, but did not play.

“Tim is not the typical student-athlete and his circumstances are certainly unique,” said Kevin Lennon, NCAA vice-president for membership services. “That was a key factor for us in making this decision and granting him eligibility.”

Frisby graduated from high school in Allentown, Pa., in 1983 long before the current NCAA standards for initial eligibility were adopted.

“To say that I’m excited would be an understatement,” said Frisby, nicknamed “Pops” by his Gamecock teammates. “I’m just so thankful that this request had a happy conclusion.”

Said USC head coach Lou Holtz: “Pops” is an inspiration to our team and we love having him with us.”