University of Connecticut Athletics
Huskies & Heroes Feature
9/28/2018 4:50:00 PM | Football
It isn't often that a voice can captivate an audience filled with loud sports fanatics, athletes and coaches but the voice of Sergeant Major Frank May does just that.
May graduated from UConn in 1984 and has been singing the national anthem at various UConn football, basketball, soccer and hockey games for over twenty years. He started his Husky career as a business finance student, but in his senior year, decided to change it to something he was truly passionate about, music education.
May has served for 31 years and is currently a Sergeant Major in the United States Army Reserve, stationed in Fort Devens, Mass. May lives and breathes UConn with most of his family having a close connection to the University as well. His older brother and sister, his wife and two sons have all attended the University. UConn isn't just where May spent four plus years getting an education. This is where he found his wife, pursued his career and made friends that have and will continue to last a lifetime. Coming back repeatedly is a simple way to thank this University for all it has given him.
As part of Huskies & Heroes Week, May will be joining the UConn marching band to sing the national anthem at the UConn football game this Saturday when the Huskies host Cincinnati with kickoff at 3:30 at Pratt and Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field.
"When I step out onto the floor or field to lead in the singing of our national anthem, I feel I'm representing everyone who has served, both past and present. It's my way of giving back. It's very humbling," said May.
There is a lot of preparation that goes into those three short and moving minutes right before the game commences. "On a day that I'm singing the national anthem, I have to make sure three things happen: I have my uniform all together; see how my voice is working that day; and get to the event on time," said May.
UConn has always meant a lot to Frank from the outstanding education to the "college experience" in general and that is one of the reasons why the decision to keep coming back is so simple for him. Not only does coming back to UConn make him feel that incredible sense of community that students and faculty have the pleasure of feeling day in and day out, but Frank is able to feel that same connection being in the Army.
When it comes to the May family there are two things constants, UConn and the Army. Frank's father served in the Army during the Korean War while many of his uncles, friends and family have served in the Armed Forces.
"Many people don't know what the national anthem is. Officially, it is to `render honors to the nation.' Many have given themselves for America to grow, evolve, and sustain. I lead the singing of our national anthem because it is my way of giving back to those who made those sacrifices -- to both America and UConn. It is an honor and a privilege," said May.
This year marks another year that we get the privilege of welcoming Sergeant Major Frank May into athletics and get the opportunity to watch something special happen on our campus.
"One of the best moments for me is when the announcer starts to announce our national anthem and the arena or stadium immediately goes silent. Fans who know of the customs and courtesies take their hats off, put their right-hand over their heart, and sing along," said May, "it can be a very emotional experience out there in the middle of the court."
As part of Huskies & Heroes military appreciation day at UConn Football this weekend, UConn Athletics has partnered with Vet Tix, a national 501c3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide tickets to sporting events, concerts, performing arts and family activities aimed at improving mental welfare and enriching the lives of military service members and veterans.Â
Complimentary tickets to the football game for military service members and veterans can be obtained by visiting the Vet Tix website at Vettix.org.Â
Fans can also help provide tickets for this initiative by donating $10 at UConnTickets.com.  With your purchase, Vet Tix will send you an "In Kind Gift Receipt".
Several other elements are being planned as part of Huskies & Heroes Day, including a camo themed bandana giveaway at Husky Walk in Fan Fest at approximately 1:30 p.m., several in-game video board elements and features, and the presenting of the Colossal Colors flag on the field during the pre-game UConn Marching Band performance.Â
Fans can also submit photos of their favorite Huskies in uniform that will be shown on the video board during the game by tagging #HuskyHeroes on social media or by emailing them to uconnect@uconn.edu.Â
Tickets to the game are still available starting at $20 and can be purchase at UConnTickets.com
