Ken Fritz isn’t just a former Ohio State player, but the definition of an Ohio hero. He grew up in Ohio and eventually became an Ironton High School standout earning Ohio Class AA Lineman of the Year. Fritz earned a scholarship to Ohio State under Woody Hayes.
Fritz was an absolute stud for Ohio State as he was a letter-winner for all four seasons from 1976 through 1979. He was a part of the 1976 Orange Bowl championship team and in 1978 earned first-team All-Big Ten honors as well as Ohio State’s Top Offensive Lineman Award. In 1979, Fritz finished his college career strong earning All-American honors in addition to the expected first-team All-Big Ten nod.
Fritz is also known for being the player who held back Woody Hayes as he punched Charlie Bauman from Clemson. He played his final season under Earle Bruce.
Fritz passed away Tuesday at the age of 66. Anyone who had a chance to sit down with him knows how nice he was to Buckeye fans and was always happy to share a story.
Deeply saddened to learn the passing of Former Ironton Great and (HoF) Ken Fritz. Ken was a star for Ironton High and later signed @OhioStateFB where he went on to become a consensus 1979 All-American with the Buckeyes. Ken was then drafted in the 10th round by the Steelers. pic.twitter.com/66bCHT1NKi
— Ironton Football (@FootballIronton) February 6, 2024
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