INDIANAPOLIS---University of South Carolina football student-athlete Tim Frisby has been granted eligibility to compete in intercollegiate athletics by the NCAA membership services staff.

In approving the request for eligibility from the University of South Carolina, the membership services staff noted the unique nature of Frisby’s circumstances. Frisby served in the U.S. Army for 20 years and graduated from high school in the early 1980s, long before the current NCAA standards for initial eligibility were adopted.

“Tim is not the typical student-athlete and his circumstances are certainly unique,” said Kevin Lennon, NCAA vice-president for membership services. “That was a key factor for us in making this decision and granting him eligibility.”

The decision from the NCAA national office makes Frisby, a wide receiver, immediately eligible to participate in athletic competition.