Northwood High School head coach Russ Frazier takes the court before the NCHSAA Class AA Men's Basketball Championship on Saturday, March 12. (photo by Will Okun)
Jul 6, 2012
Russ Frazier is moving to Raleigh.
The former Northwood High School boys basketball coach accepted the same position at Leesville Road High School, his first head coaching job at the 4-A level. He will work in the Alternative Learning Center at the school.
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"We are excited to have Russ Frazier joining our staff and we are confident he is the right choice to meet the challenges of moving our basketball program forward," Leesville Road athletic director Jack Rogers said. ""He has a proven track record of success that we believe he can take our basketball program to the next level."
Frazier shares in the excitement.
"The opportunity to work at Leesville Road High School as a teacher and coach is an incredible opportunity for my family and for me," Frazier said. "I'm excited to jump in and be a part of the Leesville family."
Frazier has been at Northwood since the 2006-2007 season. In six seasons at the school, Frazier compiled a record of 133-39, winning two conference titles in 2011 and 2012, and the conference tournament in 2011. Under Frazier, the Chargers made big runs in the state playoffs, winning three consecutive sectional championships in 2009, 2010 and 2011, and winning two Eastern Regional titles.
In 2009 and 2011, Frazier's teams went to the 2-A state championship game but lost both times.
Frazier earned Coach of the Year honors in the Carolina 12 during the 2011 and 2012 seasons.
"I enjoyed my time at Northwood. We made memories that will last me a lifetime. I'm going to miss the students and my players, they meant the world to me," Frazier said. "I wish nothing but success for the Northwood staff, students and athletic program."
It's Frazier's goal bring some of the same success to Leesville Road.
"Our expectations are simple - our goal is to get better every day, to take Leesville Road basketball to another level," he said. "To get to that level, it takes a lot of work, a lot of patience, and the kids have to believe. It has been done at Leesville before, and it will happen again."
From 2003 until 2005, Frazier was an assistant varsity boys basketball coach at New Hanover High School. While Frazier was in Wilmington, the Wildcats won two conference titles and two conference tournaments in 2004 and 2005. The team won the sectional title in 2005 but lost in the Eastern Regional championship game.
Frazier also has experience coaching soccer and football. In 2009, Frazier led the Northwood boys soccer team to a state championship appearance.
In addition to basketball, Frazier will also assist with the Leesville Road football team.
"He believes what our programs here at Leesville are all about; making our students not just better athletes, but better people on and off the court," said Rogers.
"I'm excited about the opportunity. Leesville Road is a special place with great kids, great staff, and I look forward to working with all of them," Frazier said.
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