2023 Wrestler of the Year: Ian Fritz

Now that the winter sports season has come to a close, it’s time to reveal the All-Coastal Preps teams. Over the next few days, you will get to know more about the players of the year while also seeing who made first and second team in swimming & diving, wrestling and basketball.

The Coastal Preps Wrestler of the Year is sophomore Ian Fritz of Topsail.

Ian’s Accomplishments

Ian Fritz proved why is is one of the best young wrestlers in the state by claiming the NCHSAA 4A state title at 132 pounds in dominant fashion.

Fritz cruised to a 16-1 tech fall over defending state champion Eli Murray of Lake Norman to cap a 51-2 season. Both of his losses came against out-of-state opponents at the prestigious Beast of the East Tournament.

With his performances, Fritz was named the 4A Most Outstanding Wrestler. He opened the tournament with a pin and tech fall before holding on for a hard-fought 7-5 decision in the semifinals. 

Of his 51 victories, 37 came by pin or forfeit and nine were by tech fall. 

More about Ian

Favorite Restaurant(s): Mellow Mushroom 

Favorite Movie(s): Warrior

Favorite Athlete(s): Jordan Burroughs and Conor McGregor

Favorite memory from this season: Winning States 

Favorite memory from your career: Winning States

Favorite thing about your school or team: The support by the team and coaches.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?: Iceland

If you could switch places with any person (real or fictional) for a day who would it be?: Roman Bravo-Young 

Are you a morning or night person?: Morning

What is something you could eat for a week straight?: Protein Bars