Life can often be described as a series of challenges. Since his arrival at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 2002, senior defensive back Tim Frame has overcome a number of them. In doing so, he has exemplified the definitions of hard work and dedication both in the classroom and on the football field.
As a freshman from nearby Scotia, N.Y., Frame was forced to face a difficult challenge that fall. A standout quarterback and defensive back at Scotia-Glenville High School, he was asked to concentrate full-time on the defensive side of the game. Putting his energy into improving those skills, Tim spent that first season on the junior varsity squad before making an impact on the varsity the following season.
"He ended up as a sophomore beating out a senior as we headed into the playoffs, and became a starter," explains head coach Joe King. "That’s how much he improved from his freshman to sophomore seasons, legitimately beating out a senior for a starting position. In the playoffs he was outstanding."
That season would prove to be the breakthrough that the coaches hoped for as Tim appeared in all 13 games, including three as a starter, solidifying his spot on the varsity. He recorded 68 total tackles, including 36 unassisted and two for lost yards (3). He also forced a fumble, recovered a fumble, broke up two passes and recorded four interceptions., He led the team in tackles in one game while making at least three tackles in seven games, including two with ten stops.
Tim proved his athleticism with gusto in the Engineers’ charge toward the national semi-finals that season, highlighted by a leaping interception in the end zone in a NCAA playoff game against Curry that set the pace for a Rensselaer win. He finished that game with a season-high ten tackles, including six unassisted and one for lost yards (2), along with the interception and a pass breakup. He also displayed standout performances in the later rounds as well. Against Springfield, he collected a season-high eight solo tackles and an assisted stop with a fumble recovery. Despite the blizzard conditions on’86 Field in the NCAA Regional Finals game versus Ithaca, Tim registered a season-high ten tackles, including two unassisted, in the Rensselaer victory. And in the NCAA Semi-Finals at St. John’s, he recorded seven tackles (5 solos), an interception and a pass breakup. At season’s end he was named the team’s Most Improved Defensive Player.
"Tim is in some ways the typical Rensselaer football player," says King. "He’s made himself into a good player."
"Coach King always said that being part of a team like this will develop you into a stronger individual, and he was right." says Frame. Being a part of a team that no one expected to go as far as we did in 2003 would be my best moment on this team. "We were the underdogs from the start, and I always liked that. The coaches and the players on the team are the only people that you need to believe in, in order for it to happen. They are the ones that need to believe and work harder than they have their whole lives. I’ve been told many times in my life that you can do anything that you put your mind to if you work hard enough."
Mental and physical toughness were on the list of requirements for his junior season. He played in all nine games, registering 70 tackles, 38 unassisted, recording 4.5 tackles for a combined loss of 15 yards, an interception and four pass breakups – all while battling an injured shoulder. Among his top performances were a season-high eight solo tackles, including one for a loss of three yards, and ten total tackles against St. Lawrence and a season-high 14 total tackles, including five solos, in the Dutchman Shoes Trophy Game in the season finale. Timproved to the coaches and his teammates that he truly was a leader.
"He never missed a game last year, and he had shoulder surgery in the off-season. Personally I think he showed a tremendous amount of character and toughness by being able to play through those issues," says defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach Chad Martinovich.
"Through a great deal of hard work and dedication he’s become an outstanding player and strong leader. Because of that he’s earned the respect of his teammates," says King.
As one of four captains this season, Tim’s importance as a leader on the field does not go unnoticed. Ask anyone on the squad and they are quick to point out that his work ethic and respect for his teammates are a large part of why Tim Frame is an integral part of this football program.
"He’s a great young man," says King. "His parents have done a terrific job in raising him, he’s got great values. He’s honest, hard working, sincere, and he embodies all those old fashion qualities that a coach looks for and you don’t always get that in players today. A lot of guys are looking for what they can get out of it. Tim is the exact opposite and that’s what makes him a special player."
A computer and systems engineering major, Tim also exemplifies hard work off the field. A Dean’s List student, he has held leadership positions within his fraternity, Theta Chi, as the scholarship and rush chairman.
"He toes the line on everything, meaning that he’s always going to try and do the right thing in every situation," explains Martinovich. "He’s a leader by example, constantly positive and extremely supportive of his teammates and that makes kids look to him in every situation … not to mention his actions on the field. He makes the plays and gets things done."
In his time at Rensselaer, Tim has succeeded both on and off the field. The football program has made him a more confident person, and strong leader. His education has given him the tools to succeed, and upon completion of his degree in May of 2006, Tim will merge both aspects of his college career into one when he moves to Washington to work for Boeing.
"College has taught me to believe in myself and that any goal is achievable with enough dedication and hard work," he says. "If you believe in your ability and live up to your full potential, it will lead to success in life no matter what you do. Football will be over for me once I leave college, but the lessons that I have learned from it will be with me for the rest of my life."
