"We are really excited about luring John Frazier back to the Pac-10. I consider him to be one of the best throws coaches in the nation," said Arizona director of track and field Dave Murray. "He is going to be a very strong addition to our program, not only in coaching, but in recruiting because of his knowledge of Southern California. We are sad to lose Coach Maynard, but we feel that we have an excellent person to fill that position."

Frazier, 37, has coached the Florida women's throwers the past two seasons, leading them to three All-America honors and an NCAA runner-up finish. His athletes set school records in the javelin, hammer throw and the 20-lb. weight throw. At the 2000 NCAA Championships, Emily Carlsten finished second in the javelin and was the top American in the field for the Gators.

Frazier brings a strong knowledge of the Pacific-10 Conference to Arizona, as he was once a foe of the Wildcats. He competed for UCLA where he was a three-time All-American in the shot put and hammer throw from 1981-86

"I am really looking forward to getting back into the Pac-10 as a coach," Frazier said. "I remember the Pac-10 as having great competition when I was an athlete at UCLA. Now, I am going to get the chance to experience it as a coach, including going against my former coach (UCLA's Art Venegas)."

After graduating in 1986 from UCLA with a bachelor's degree in political science and public administration, Frazier moved into the coaching ranks two years later. He became the throws coach at California-Irvine, producing a Division I All-American in his first year there.

Frazier moved on to Humboldt (Calif.) State University, for one season before moving to Cal State-Northridge, where he stayed from 1990-94. There, Frazier coached three All-Americans and received his master's degree in kinesiology and athletic administration

Next, he coached at Cal State-Los Angeles, where he directed four NCAA Division II Champions and 10 All-Americans from 1996-98.

Frazier was born April 27, 1963 in Lancaster, Calif. and is married to the former Julia Barnes. They have two children, 8-month old Courtney and 2-year old Lana.