When Ian Frailey arrived in Bridgeport as a freshman from Illinois, it wasn’t as if he was a running novice. After all, he had ran in middle school there so he was no stranger to cross country or track and field.

 

Still, he needed to get used to his new state, community and high school. And he also needed to get used to both Bridgeport High School programs and Coach Jon Griffith.

 

Apparently, the transformation to the Mountain State has served Frailey well. The soon-to-be-graduated senior signed a letter of intent today inside the BHS library surrounded by family and coaches to attend West Virginia Wesleyan.

 

When asked why he chose to be a member of the Bobcats, the response wasn’t what one may think. It focused more on the student part of the student-athlete equation.

 

“The business program is really good there and I knew that before I even thought about running. I knew I wanted to go there for the schooling,” said Frailey. “After I went there, I loved the campus. Running is extra.”

For BHS and likely for WVWC it will be a good extra. Frailey’s resume already includes being a member of the 2013 and 2014 state championship cross country teams and the 2014 boys’ state championship track team.

 

As for his times, they’re very competitive and impressive. He has a personal best time in the 800 of 2 minutes, 4.99 seconds, which he set this week at the Harrison County championship meet. His best 1600 meter time (4:34.37) came at the Dick Dunlap Winfield Classic this year, while this season’s time in the 3200 meter run (10:01.13) at the Gazette Relays is his best. In cross country, his time of 17 minutes, .5 seconds at this year’s Chick-Fil-A Invitational is his top mark.

 

West Virginia Wesleyan has become the landing spot for literally dozens of cross country and track athletes in recent years under the tutelage of Bobcats’ Coach Jesse Skiles. And having those athletes there didn’t hurt in Frailey’s decision.

 

“I talked to (the other athletes) and I figured out that the coach is great. They also gave me advice on how it would be so that helped me in my decision,” said Frailey.

 

Griffith said he thinks Wesleyan is adding another talented athlete. He also believes they’re adding a quality young man.

 

“When they moved here from Illinois we were just thrilled. He was very talented and worked hard and has worked hard the whole time he’s been here. He’s a great kid from a great family,” said Griffith. “We’re excited for him and I think he’s going to do well. Coach Skiles has a great program and he’ll fit into that very well.”

 

Frailey’s high school career is nearing a conclusion. Along with Friday’s Big 10 meet, only the regional meet and state meet remain.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows, Ian Frailey, second from left, his father Brian, mother Tammy and brother Ryder. Back row, from left, is assistant cross country Coach Gina Lutyens, assistant cross country and assistant track and field Coach Nathaniel Lutyens and Coach Jon Griffith. Middle photo, by Ben Queen of www.benqueenphotography.com, is from Tuesday's county meet, and bottom photo is from the county cross country championships earlier this school year.