Hawkeye Fan Shop — A Black & Gold Store | Hawk Talk Monthly — October 2018 | 24 Hawkeyes to Watch 2017-18
IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa senior DeJuan Frye is a four-time All-American for the Hawkeyes, running the first leg for the indoor 1,600-meter relay and alternating second and third legs during the outdoor seasons. He has recorded 11 top-10 times at Iowa.
His sophomore season was decorated with a 1,600-meter relays indoor school record (3:04.94) set at the 2017 Big Ten Championships. He also ran on the distance medley relay squad that ranks second (9:44.07) in school history. He ran at the 2017 Drake Relays in the 800-meter relay, recording the second-fastest time (1:23.73) in school history.
During the 2018 season, the 1,600-meter relay’s ninth-place finish recorded at the NCAA Indoor Championships earned the fourth-fastest time (3:06.63) in school history. The group earned bronze (3:05.33) at the 2018 Big Ten Indoor Championships.
Frye set career bests in the 200 meters (21.11) at the 2017 Jim Click Shootout and 400 meters (46.17) at the 2018 Big Ten Outdoor Championships.
He is from Lacey, Washington and is a Sports and Recreation Management major.
What are you most excited for this year?
“Being able to do great things with my teammates. We all work extremely hard.”
What do you hope to add to the team?
“Just a spark to light the flame for the team.”
What do you want to achieve this season?
“Get better each week, so when the time comes to snap, I am ready.”
What is your favorite memory as a Hawkeye?
“Every time I pop off the [1,600-meter relay]. My favorite has to be at my second year at Outdoor Nationals.”
What is your best advice for the freshmen?
“Take it one day at a time and enjoy it because it flies by.”
Who has been the most influential to you at Iowa?
“Coach Wakenight, Jahisha [Thomas], and Mar’yea ‘slow’ Harris. I’ve spent so much time with these people, and they have always had my back.”
If not track & field, what sport would you play?
“Football, I would’ve been the best defensive back in NCAA history.”
What is one thing people don’t know about you?
“I have four extra teeth.”
Who is your favorite professional athlete?
“Kobe, because it’s Kobe.”
What’s something you’ve always wanted to try but have been too scared to?
“Skydive by myself. I do not want anyone on my back, on my own just jumping out of a plane.”
If you could choose a superpower, what would you choose?
“Fly, but the ladies think I am already.”
If you could choose anywhere to live, where would you choose?
“Seattle, I just loved living there.”
How do you feel about pineapple on pizza?
“Yes, people eat tofu so pineapple on a pizza is lit.”
Where’s your favorite spot on campus?
“Probably, where ever there is food.”
What is your favorite meal?
“Anything my mom makes, but if the macaroni is ‘fire,’ then I am good. Baked in the oven though, none of that stove top mess.”
