Curtis Frick was a varsity full back and defensive back at Bonita High school. During the 1971 season, Bonita had the best defense against the pass in league which was attributed to Frick’s alertness and competitive spirt as a safety. Frick had two interceptions but led the Bearcats in defensive points (tackles, assists, etc). When injuries caused a crisis at linebacker, Frick filled in with his best performance of the year, 11 unassisted tackles against Upland. In another game against Gary, Frick tackled their quarterback Keith Turner on the goal line to prevent a two point conversion and preserved the Bearcats 13-13 tie. Frick once scored 4 touchdowns in a 57-0 victory against Montclair. In the summer of 1972 Curtis played in the San Gabriel Valley All Star team for the East where he made 7 tackles from the Safety position. Frick was all SAL League first team defensive back and All League Second Team Full Back his Senior year. The 6-1 190 pound senior was recognized by The Progress Bulletin as a member of the the ALL Pomona Valley Team on defense.
As a star running back for the University of La Verne, Curtis was an SCIAC All-Conference First Team Offensive player all four years in college. His senior year in 1975 he was named College Division Player of the Week at the Southern California Sportscaster’s luncheon for his 3 touchdown 145 yard performance against St. Mary. During his time as a La Verne Leopard Curtis was known more for his crushing blocks then his running ability. Coach Roland Ortmayer shard, “But his great strength for our ball club is his blocking”.
Curtis Frick worked 38 years as an educator throughout the San Gabriel Valley. He earned a bachelor’s in history and physical education and two master’s degrees in P.E. and educational administration from the University of La Verne. He began teaching in 1977 at Magnolia Junior High in Chino. He worked as a Middle School assistant principal at Goddard in Glendora. Frick was principal of Stanton Elementary and Sandburg Middle schools before becoming Central School District’s assistant superintendent of human resources. Frick finished his career coming back to where it all started when he was hired as Assistant Superintendent of Business Services for Bonita Unified School District. Frick changed employee relations in La Verne and San Dimas public schools after years of open hostility, animosity, disrespect and lack of fair contracts.
“He brought stability to his position we hadn’t seen in many years,” said trustee Patti Latourelle. “The changes he brought to BUSD were significant.” Debbie Grenier , Allen Avenue Elementary School principal shared that Frick, “encouraged us to take the high road, take responsibility when we made mistakes and showed us grace when we didn’t do well”. Fellow Trustee Chuck Coyne shard the following about Frick,
“We talk about students being lifelong learners. Curtis has been a lifelong teacher,” Coyne said. His lessons about courtesy, kindness and fairness went beyond traditional classroom standards.”
