Warrenton High School is currently searching for a new activities director to replace Craig Frazier, who recently announced his resignation. Principal Jeremy Way says the application process will close on March 11, with interviews to immediately follow. The school is looking to make a hire as soon as possible. “We’re going to try to interview as many quality candidates as we can,” said Way. Frazier, who has been with the district for 15 years in various coaching and teaching capacities, is planning a return to the classroom as a special education instructor. “It’s been a joy to watch our students succeed and give it their all out on the field or court,” said Frazier. His replacement will fill a dual responsibility as both an activities director and assistant principal. Way says the school has formed a hiring panel of administrators and teachers. “We want to get somebody who is excited about all the extracurricular activities, whether it’s sports or drama,” said Way. “We would like to move our way up in the (Gateway Athletic Conference).” Warrenton has long struggled to compete in the GAC since joining the conference in 2002. Frazier, who is in his fifth year as activities director, has witnessed several firsts among athletic programs. He recalls 2010 as being the most memorable 12-month span. “We had four district titles that year,” said Frazier. “It kind of put Warrenton back on the map.” During his time as AD the varsity football program became the first team in school history to play in a state championship game. But it was an epic semifinal contest that etched a special place in Frazier’s heart. “That game at Sikeston will be a memory that I’ll remember for the rest of my life,” said Frazier. “For everything that it meant and the way the kids played. It was just a great experience.” The golf, softball and wrestling programs each won district titles, with the wrestling team recently crowning its first state champion. “I’ve been a part of the wrestling program for 15 years as either a coach or AD, and it was fantastic to see somebody finally win the title,” said Frazier. The track program has also yielded numerous state medalists during Frazier’s reign. “As far as athletics, we’ve been highly successful,” acknowledged Way. “I’m hoping the new candidate comes in ready to take it to the next level.” Frazier says his only regret is seeing the school’s first GAC title continue to evade the athletic programs. “We’re still looking for elusive GAC title, but I’m confident we’ll get it in the next couple years.” Frazier has also been instrumental in helping the district develop and maintain the most up-to-date facilities. Perhaps the most innovative was the installation of the turf field that serves the football and soccer programs. “One of the best days I ever had was walking out on the plaza and seeing the soccer, football, softball and cheerleading teams all sharing the field during practices,” said Frazier. “It was what that field was intended to be, and it was so great to see all of our teams using it in cooperation.” During an instrumental 2010 year, the district also installed new weight room equipment and replaced the high school basketball court. Way feels the facilities will entice quality candidates and is hopeful they will see more use in the near future. “We have excellent facilities and wouldn’t mind hosting more events related to districts and playoffs,” said Way, who also believes the personnel in the district sets it apart. “We have fantastic kids from top to bottom,” said Way. “This is a great place to work, and it might be hard to see that from the outside. It still has the small-town community feel.”