KP Grid Star Frommer is the Total Package

Shane Frommer is a dynamic example of the type of high caliber player the King Philip football team so often produces.
The 5-foot-11½, 190-pounder from Norfolk is a leader, he’s versatile and he’s also a team player who relies on a strong work ethic to get results. Frommer also is a purebred student-athlete. As a junior last year, he turned down a half scholarship to Bryant University to attend Yale.
Preparation is another asset that makes the tailback-linebacker an all-star. When running back Sean Garrity suffered a torn ACL four games into the season last year, it was Frommer who filled in. He gained 1,100 yards rushing and averaged 6.8 yards per carry. He also scored 10 touchdowns. And, his three TDs against Bridgewater-Raynham in the South Sectional final helped the Warriors advance to the Division 1A Super Bowl at Gillette Stadium where they captured their first state football championship.
During the Super Bowl, Frommer injured his hip and missed a quarter of the game against Reading. He didn’t have his best effort and was unable to garner a touchdown. His reaction was what would be expected from a team-first competitor. “It doesn’t matter because we won,’’ he said.
Coach Brian Lee calls Frommer “a big presence on offense and a linebacker who wreaks havoc on defense.’’
“Shane is the total package,’’ Lee said. “He’s got tremendous mental and physical toughness, speed and quickness, and a high football IQ. He started as a sophomore at safety, then moved to linebacker. He’s also our punt returner, rarely ever coming off the field. When Sean got hurt, Shane stepped up and put the team on his back.’’
Frommer labels his style on either side of the ball as “aggressive.’’ Last year, he was honored with an award for most grit.
“I’m not a finesse player,’’ he said. “At tailback, I go all out, and at linebacker I hit with power. Speed and being mentally tough are attributes I rely on. I still can improve on defense by being better at shedding blocks, and on offense I can be more complete by sharpening my quickness and agility.’’
A superb student (ranked 20th out of 340), Frommer rates his game against Bridgewater-Raynham his best and his top thrill was winning the Super Bowl.
“We had to rally from behind against Bridgewater-Raynham,’’ he recalled. “I scored three times on runs and gained 150 yards. They were the best team we faced all year. The victory got us to the Bowl, which is my top thrill in sports. There was so much joy and emotion after the game. It showed what results from hard work and all the hours at practice.’’
Frommer’s goals this season are for the Warriors to go undefeated again (12-0) and repeat as Super Bowl champs. “It’s realistic,’’ he emphasized. “Although we’ve lost a lot of players to graduation, we’ve got enough talent and hard-working players to go all the way. Our team is dedicated.’’
Frommer has high praise for his coach and players, citing their passion, dedication and commitment.
“Coach Lee is a fabulous motivator who knows the game,’’ he said. “He taught me the value of being on a team that’s essentially a family. Senior players like cornerback Andrew Dittrich and tackle Anthony Vahue are just a few examples of kids who work hard. Andrew devotes lots of time and he’s agile and quick while Anthony works hard, leads by example and is strong and tough.’’
Frommer plans on a grid career at Yale where he’s leaning on being an engineering major. Yale’s defensive coordinator Sean McGowan hinted that his future probably is on defense. “Coach McGowan told me I could be a solid contributor and a quality linebacker,’’ Frommer said.
The Warriors’ starting goalie in ice hockey, Frommer’s competitive philosophy focuses on winning. “That’s always my top objective,’’ he said. “When you’re winning, that means you’re playing to your potential and also enjoying your athletic experience. What I like about football is the life lessons it teaches. It’s all about overcoming adversity, teamwork and earning success though hard work.’’
Calling his parents (Jennifer and Bob) role models for their support and encouragement, Frommer intends to enjoy his final year at KP. “It’s going to go by quickly and I know when I graduate, I’ll miss KP,’’ he noted. “But, I’m excited about a new chapter and the future at Yale.’’
As the Warriors prepare to open their season against North Attleboro on Sept. 8, Frommer is acutely aware that he and his teammates have to put the Super Bowl victory in their rear-view mirror and concentrate on the present.
“None of us believe we just have to show up to win,’’ he said. “We’re all aware that we’re a new team with new players and it’s a new season. We know that to repeat as champs we’ll need to maintain our passion and toughness.’’
Shane Frommer is an excellent ambassador for KP football and he definitely is the total package.