Bill Pierce’s Prep almanac

There is little doubt that Bill Frazier is one of the first names to come to mind when the greatest local high school coaches are discussed.

William Harry Frazier was a native of Moscow, Idaho, where he earned all-state honors as a high school athlete in basketball, football and baseball.

After a year at the University of Idaho, Frazier transferred to Gonzaga University, where he quarterbacked the school’s football team, being honored as all-coast for his skills at that position in 1931 and ’32.

After graduation, Frazier became head football coach at Mead High School in 1933, a position he held for six years until being named football and baseball coach at Gonzaga High School in 1939. He had found his home, and for the next 34 years guided the success of the Bullpups in both sports.

Frazier had only five losing seasons in football during his tenure at the school. Four teams were undefeated, including the 10-0 1963 squad. That team is recognized by many as the best high school football team in the Spokane area.

His football teams won or tied for the Spokane City League championship 15 times. Frazier also guided Gonzaga Prep baseball to 16 league crowns. His 1971 baseball team was 29-3, believed to be the best in city history.

His overall record in football was 159-67-10 in league play and 204-81-13 overall. In baseball, the record was 253-129.

During his time at Gonzaga Prep, Frazier also coached basketball and track. His 1946 basketball team was City League co-champion and qualified for the state tournament.

After retirement, his former players kept him busy with constant visits and contacts. He was an avid golfer and shot his age well into his 80s. He was named into numerous halls of fame, locally and statewide. Frazier died in 2000 at the age of 91.

One quote at his induction into Gonzaga University’s Hall of Fame best summed up his coaching beliefs: “Toughness tempered with love and humanity.”