Former Columbus North athletic trainer Steve Souder sits in the athletic training room at Columbus North High School Oct. 17, 2017.
The Republic file photo
For the better part of the existence of Columbus North High School, Steve Souder and Sarah Frasier have been fixtures in its athletic program.
Souder spent 43 years as the Bull Dogs’ athletic trainer. Frasier, a former cheerleader at North and Indiana University, has spent the past 20 as the Bull Dogs’ cheerleading coach.
On Friday, the pair were selected as this year’s recipients of the Jack Cramer Ideals of Athletic Competition Award.
Columbus North varsity cheer coaches Sarah Frasier, left, and Tara Murphy talk before the start of the Elementary Basketball League Super Saturday Cheer Competition at Columbus North High School Jan. 24, 2019.
The Republic file photo
“I was very surprised by that and happy at the same time, a little shocked,” Frasier said. “I wasn’t expecting to be recognized in that way. We decided to coach because we love the sports and the athletes that we work with. You never think about getting recognized, so that meant a lot.”
Souder had just returned from his son’s wedding in Seattle the day before he learned he was winning the Cramer Award.
“I just couldn’t believe it,” Souder said. “It was a surprise. It’s a nice start to the summer. I said I was glad to get back here because I love the heat. It was like March or April weather up there (in Seattle).”
A native of Bay Village, Ohio, Souder came to Columbus in 1978 looking for a job teaching elementary physical education. When he mentioned near the end of the interview that he had worked in athletic training, he was sent to talk to administrators at the high school.
“I just remember I walked into the locker room,” Souder said. “(Then-athletics director and boys basketball coach) Bill Stearman was on one side, and I was on the other side, and he asked me if I was the trainer, and he tossed me the keys and said there’s the training room,” Souder said.
Souder also taught at North for 30 years before becoming employed as an athletic trainer through Columbus Regional Health. He retired in 2021, but that lasted all of about two months.
Hauser was in need of a trainer and talked Souder into helping out on a temporary basis. He stayed for two years.
“I’m still on standby,” Souder said. “But I’m kind of liking the retirement avenue. I have another year on my license, but I’m not going to renew my license after next year, so I’ll be ‘officially, officially’ retired.”
Frasier, meanwhile, is a lifelong Columbus resident. She performed tap and jazz dance for 15 years and did gymnastics, figure skating and synchronized swimming.
Sarah Frasier
After graduating from IU, Frasier landed a job as an elementary teacher with Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp. She taught for 15 years before becoming the BCSC Social Emotional Learning Coordinator in 2019.
In a letter of recommendation for the Cramer award, Dr. Laura Hack, BCSC director of elementary education, wrote, “One of Sarah’s standout qualities is her ability to create an inclusive and nurturing environment. She fosters a sense of community and belonging, making every individual feel valued and supported. In addition to her exceptional inclusion abilities, Sarah is also a highly effective collaborator. She works seamlessly with her colleagues, sharing best practices and contributing to the professional development of her peers. Additionally, her 21-year leadership in various cheer initiatives has been instrumental in driving positive growth in the athletes she coaches.”
Frasier’s husband Nate, a local chiropractor and former coach, was a Cramer Award recipient last year.
“Having seen him to through it, it’s an honor that I get to experience that now, just in a little different way,” she said.
Sarah started her coaching career as a as basketball cheer coach. After a few years, she switched to leading the football cheer team and also has led the competition cheer squad.
Two years ago, North added a Game Day competition cheer squad. Frasier led Bull Dogs to this year’s Universal Cheerleaders Association National High School Cheerleading Championship, where they finished seventh in the nation.
“Cheerleading doesn’t really get the recognition that it truly deserves because cheerleaders are athletes, as well,” Frasier said. “I know it isn’t recognized (by the IHSAA), but it takes a lot of skill and strength. This helps put cheer in the spotlight that it deserves, so I’m thankful that I was thought of. I hope this helps other cheer coaches feel proud of themselves for coaching and putting that time and effort and dedication into what they do.”
