2024 Boys Wrestler of the Year: Ian Fritz
***ICYMI: Girls Swimmer of the Year: Kelsey Stuck***
***ICYMI: Boys Co-Swimmer of the Year: Sean Setzer***
***ICYMI: Boys Co-Swimmer of the Year: Cole Witmer***
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.
For the second consecutive year, the Coastal Preps Wrestler of the Year is junior Ian Fritz of Topsail.
Ian’s Accomplishments
Whenever Ian Fritz takes the mat, it becomes a must-watch event. His offensive-minded approach is what continues to make Fritz one of the best wrestlers in the state.
The N.C. State commit cruised to his second consecutive NCHSAA 4A state title by outscoring his four opponents 69-17.
In his first two matches, Fritz earned tech falls of 24-7 and 19-2. He picked up a 15-5 major decision in the semifinals and then took down Laney’s Tristan Cotto with another 11-3 major decision in the final at 150 pounds.
Fritz finished the season with a record of 47-3. All three of his losses came against out-of-state opponents. The junior recorded 19 pins to go along with 13 tech falls and six major decisions.
He joined Aric McCutcheon (2A 125 champion in 2010 and 2011) as the only two-time state champion in Topsail history.
Topsail junior Ian Fritz is the 2024 Coastal Preps Boys Wrestler of the Year. [Tim Hower/Coastal Preps]
More about Ian
Favorite Restaurant(s): Any real pizza place
Favorite Movie(s): 300 is my favorite movie
Favorite Athlete(s): My favorite wrestler is Nick Suriano, because of his unique style and personality.
Favorite memory from your career: My favorite memory from my career is hugging my mom and dad after winning my first state title.
Do you have any superstitions or pre-game rituals? If so, what are they?: Before all of my tournaments, I pray to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
What is your dream job?: Just scrap every day
Have you ever been out of the country? If so, which country is your favorite?: I have and my two favorite were Italy and Germany. I think it would be cool to train overseas someday.
