Boston College Athletics

The Boston College Varsity Club has recognized Peter Frates for his service by naming him the second recipient of the Varsity Club Medal. The award was presented by the William V. Campbell Athletic Director Martin Jarmond, alongside BCVC President Richard J. Schoenfeld, as well as Senior Associate Athletics Director Vaughn Williams and current baseball head coach Mike Gambino.

Frates was diagnosed with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) at 27 years old. Since then, he, along with his family and friends, have worked tirelessly to raise awareness and funds to find a cure for the disease.

"We are honored and humbled that Pete would receive the Varsity Club Medal, following in the footsteps of Dick Kelley. The success of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge would not have happened without the Boston College community. The research, monetary funds, philanthropy and attention to patient care we are seeing now are a direct result of all the efforts that started with Pete's relationships, especially those he fostered at BC. We are beyond thrilled to host the Boston College Varsity Club in our home to accept this award,'' said John Frates, the father of Pete Frates.

In the summer of 2014, Frates championed the Ice Bucket Challenge through the use of social media. Along with the amount of awareness brought to ALS, over $220 million was raised to help find a cure. In November 2016, Frates was named the recipient of the NCAA Inspiration Award.

A Beverly, Mass., native, Frates played in the outfield for the Maroon and Gold from 2004-07. A captain his senior year, he finished his BC career with 107 starts, a .228 average, 88 hits, 56 RBIs, 11 home runs and 34 stolen bases.

The first recipient of this distinguished BC Varsity Club honor was former Assistant AD in Communications Richard Kelley in November of 2012. Kelley, a 1987 graduate of Boston College, worked in athletics for over 18 years and was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 2011. Kelley passed away in 2014.

To learn more about Frates, visit www.petefrates.com.