Win or lose, Michael Frick ’76 P’05 P’08 and Travis Frick ’05 MS’08 always left everything on the wrestling mat. Their accomplishments helped cement a lasting wrestling legacy, but their greatest connection to the sport has always been the bond it created between them.
The Making of Champions
Michael was drawn to Lehigh by legendary wrestling coach Thad Turner ’61 P’83. Like all great coaches, Turner challenged him to reach his full potential. By the end of his collegiate career, Michael was a three-time All-American and two-time NCAA national champion, eventually earning induction into the Roger S. Penske/Lehigh Athletics Hall of Fame. After graduation, he competed with the United States Amateur Athletic Union team, touring Cuba, Russia, the Republic of Georgia, and Poland.
Wrestling has long been part of the Frick family story — Michael's brother, James Frick '87 '89G '16P '21P '25P, also wrestled at Lehigh, and all four of Michael's sons eventually took up the mantle as well.
They never felt pressure to match their father’s success. Instead, Michael fostered an environment of encouragement, support, and unconditional love.
“I was able to focus on being the best I could be,” says Travis. “I didn’t get into wrestling trying to duplicate what my dad did, but by going to the same school as him, I learned a lot about what he was able to accomplish. I was surrounded by great coaches, teammates, fans, and a great support system. It put me in a position to succeed.”
Throughout his career, Travis could almost always count on seeing his parents in the stands. And when they couldn’t make it to a match, they still found ways to follow along.
“When we wrestled Oklahoma State, my dad wasn’t able to come, but he listened on a crank radio while ice fishing,” Travis says with a laugh. “Having my parents follow so closely and support me was really special.”
Michael cherishes those memories just as much.
“I loved watching Travis wrestle,” he says. “He was very competitive and stubborn — a fighter who gave everything he had.”
The similarities between father and son extended beyond their determination. Like Michael, Travis became a multiple-time All-American, adding another chapter to the family’s wrestling story.
Beyond the Mat
Today, they both look back at their time at Lehigh with gratitude. They continue to follow the wrestling program and stay connected with former teammates — relationships that have remained meaningful long after their competitive days ended.
Travis went on to build a successful career, using his engineering degree as the technical foundation for operational and strategy leadership in the pharmaceutical industry, and now lives in Texas with his wife and three children. He regularly returns to the Lehigh Valley to visit his parents.
Whether father and son are talking wrestling, spending time with family, or simply enjoying each other’s company, their connection remains as strong as ever.
“I’m glad that we both wrestled,” says Michael. “And I love him no matter what. Always.”
