Fazio left his imprint at Watertown, Ithaca

Frank Fazio was the epitome of a multisport athlete. Both in high school and college.

Whether it was on the football field, the basketball court or the baseball diamond, Fazio was among the north country's premier athletes in the 1960s.

At Watertown High School, Fazio starred in all three sports for the Cyclones. He was a dynamic running back and kicker for the WHS football team, a guard on the basketball squad and a slick-fielding, good-hitting infielder within the baseball program.

After captaining all three sports during his high school career, Fazio was named the recipient of the William I. Graf Award as Watertown's top athlete in 1963.

Courted by several colleges, Fazio followed his brother, Don, to Ithaca College, where he became one of the Bombers' greatest all-around athletes.

While at Ithaca, Fazio captained both the football and baseball teams during his four-year stay. He also played guard on the basketball team at Ithaca.

It was on the baseball diamond, however, where the 5-foot-8, 180-pound standout really shined.

For his three-year varsity career — back then freshmen weren't allowed to play on the varsity — Fazio hit .370. His .488 batting average in 1965 as a sophomore still ranks as the third best ever by an Ithaca player. He also batted .368 as a junior and helped the Bombers to a 39-15 record in his three years.

In 1967, Fazio starred as Ithaca went 16-4 and made it to the District 2 playoffs. He was named to the second team All-District for his performances. Fazio played third base his first two seasons, then switched to second base his senior campaign.

On the football field, Fazio enjoyed his best day in 1966 when he scored two touchdowns and rushed for 151 yards in a victory over Tufts.

While at Ithaca, he was paired with former high school teammate Bob Glazier in the Bombers' backfield.

Fazio was inducted into the Ithaca Athletic Hall of Fame in 1981, nine years after brother Don was similarly honored.

After graduating with a degree in physical education, Fazio began a long and distinguished career in teaching and coaching at Ithaca High School. He coached several sports at Ithaca, including football and baseball, before retiring.

Fazio stayed close to his college alma mater by serving as an assistant baseball coach at Ithaca from 1980-2002, as well as this past season. The current Ithaca baseball coach, George Valesente, was a teammate of Fazio's at Ithaca.

To read about previous selections to the Times' list of The North Country's Greatest Athletes of All-Time, log on to www.watertowndailytimes.com