LORETTO, Pa. (Dec. 7, 2011) – Over the past three years, junior Nathan Turco (Kittanning, Pa./Kittanning) has put forth and dedicated countless number of hours in making Frankie the Friar, one of the most beloved mascots in all of collegiate athletics.
 
Recently, Turco put Frankie on the national stage with a sixth place overall finish among all FCS schools at the 2012 College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championship. Although Turco and Frankie finished one spot out of qualifying for an invite to the national competition in January, Turco has made a name for Frankie the Friar and Saint Francis University.
 
"To see the progression of Nate as Frankie the Friar over the past three years has been amazing to watch,” Associate Director of Athletics for Marketing and Communications Jim Brazill said. “He has put so much time and effort into improving and his hard work has paid off. His passion for Saint Francis University and Red Flash Athletics is remarkable."
 
The university's original friar mascot debuted in 1983 and has been a mainstay at SFU athletics events ever since. The current rendition of Frankie first appeared during the 2009-10 athletics season.
 
A special presentation will be made to Turco for his efforts with Frankie the Friar during this Saturday's men's and women's basketball doubleheader.