Family and Alumni Rally to Continue the Legacy of Star Water Polo Player

The Fraser family biked across the country to raise money for Cycle for Survival in honor of their son, Julian Fraser ‘18, who passed away from cancer at age 20

After extensive planning, the Fraser family embarked on their journey across the country on Sunday, Aug. 15 from Old Greenwich, Conn.

A large crowd gathered to welcome the cyclists outside of the Sullivan Aquatic Center on Oct. 22, in time for the Julian Fraser Memorial Water Polo Tournament.

Various alumni and friends joined the Frasers in the last leg of their journey from San Francisco to Santa Clara, which they are determined to make an annual event.

The coast-to-coast bike ride came nearly five years after Julian Fraser ‘18 passed away from a rare type of bone cancer, osteosarcoma. The trek sought to raise money for Cycle for Survival, an organization that allocates funds to rare cancer research and clinical studies.

Fraser’s father Alec and good friend Jamie Meehan logged nearly 5,000 miles across the U.S, while his mother Cristy followed behind in a support van.

Since his parents became involved with Cycle for Survival in 2017 during his treatment, many of Fraser’s friends have started groups all over the country to raise money as part of Team Julian, also known as Team JF. Cristy Fraser said that it has been an excellent vehicle for fundraising.

According to the Team JF website, half of all cancer cases are rare cancers — most of which are under researched and underfunded. Money fundraised through Team Julian’s efforts go directly to Cycle for Survival to support Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s rare cancer research efforts.

Alec Fraser still felt compelled to do something for Cycle for Survival on a larger scale to raise more money and more awareness. He had considered a cross-country bike ride for a while, but was not given the opportunity until the pandemic improved.

“We knew we wanted to fit Santa Clara into the picture for a number of reasons,” Alec Fraser said. “Julian absolutely loved Santa Clara, and came into his own there. We also got to know a lot of the Santa Clara water polo players, and they are a really special group of people.”

Although his time at Santa Clara was cut short, Fraser made a substantial impact on the water polo program and greater community.

He solidified his position as a starting driver by sophomore year after redshirting his freshman year to save eligibility. In his first year in competition, he was a team leader in goals, assists and steals.

“In just two years, he made huge steps and was going to have a great career,” said Water Polo Head Coach Keith Wilbur.

Fraser’s athletic prowess was only overshadowed by his personal character and qualities as a teammate.

“He was the centerpiece of our team in terms of bringing guys together and creating chemistry,” Wilbur said.

Jack Larkin ‘19, who joined the Water Polo team a year after Fraser, said he was instrumental in fostering a welcoming atmosphere for new team members.

“He was willing to put himself out there to make the younger guys feel comfortable,” Larkin said. “It was awesome to have that presence.”

Julian’s cancer diagnosis came during the offseason in 2016. “It was pretty jarring news to hear,” said Larkin. “A phenomenal athlete who you think of as being at the top of his game being knocked down by something like this - but his character was unwavering.”

Fraser lost his battle with osteosarcoma on Feb. 21, 2017 — nearly a year after he was first diagnosed. However, this was not the end of his legacy.

Without much hesitation, the water polo program decided to rename the annual Rodeo Tournament as the Julian Fraser Memorial Tournament.

“Every team that comes to this tournament is going to know about Julian and his story,” Wilbur said.

The number seven was also retired in Fraser’s honor.

Junior Ford Eldredge said that Julian’s tournament continues to unite both past and present members of the team.

“He makes the Santa Clara Water Polo network very tight; the tournament is a homecoming for a lot of alumni,” Eldredge said. “Everyone comes out and supports us because of Julian.”

Wilbur echoed Edlredge’s thoughts.

“Julian brought people together when he was alive and with the team,” he said. “I still think he is doing that now with the alumni he played with.”

Through the hard work of the Fraser family and Santa Clara alumni, Team JF is closing in on its goal of $500,000. Donations can be made to Team JF at cycleforsurvival.org. Alec and Cristy Fraser were immensely grateful for the support offered by the Santa Clara community and the Water Polo Program in pursuit of this goal.