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Shark tougher than ever

After an injury-marred 2005, LB Cody Fritsch has come back strong in his final season.

By DEREK LaRIVIERE
Published October 27, 2006

BROOKSVILLE - We have all heard the cliches about great athletes. They have drive. They have determination. They have grit.

These words aren't just cliche when it comes to Nature Coast middle linebacker Cody Fritsch.

The leader of a defense that has sparked a team turnaround from a 2-8 mark to a 7-1 record, Fritsch has grown into the perfect combination of hustle, fundamental ability and defensive instinct that makes an elite linebacker.

"The way Cody plays, he commands respect from his teammates," Nature Coast coach Jamie Joyner said. "He leads by example and doesn't say much, but when he does speak, it's always the right time and the right words."

Only one year ago, the senior found himself amid an injury-marred season, and the problems were just beginning.

Only five games into the 2005 schedule, Fritsch was struck with appendicitis and missed the rest of the season. Before that, he showed signs of what might have been. In those five games, Fritsch led the Sharks with 80 tackles.

Weakened from the illness and subsequent surgery, Fritsch rededicated himself to football over the winter only to get struck by another ailment. He suffered a torn meniscus in his right knee, which required minor surgery.

Thanks to a family atmosphere Fritsch says he received from his teammates and coaches in the Nature Coast program, he wanted to get back on the field more than ever. He recommitted himself in the weight room, a habit of his since his freshman year.

"I have worked four years straight with no offseason," said Fritsch, 18. "During football season, I see my teammates and coaches more than my own family, and during the rest of the year, lifting is a priority for me."

The Nature Coast defensive captain mentions linebackers coach Laurence Rivers in particular for his focus, but Rivers is quick to deflect the compliments right back at his protege.

"I was just blessed to work with Cody," Rivers said. "He's always had a great work ethic and high energy."

He could not have known his attitude eventually would help lead the Sharks to this Cinderella season or that he would be leading the county with 129 tackles entering the team's ninth game. Along the way, he added two blocked field goals.

"It's all about experience and watching film," Fritsch said. "I just keep my ears and eyes open and learn everything I can from my coaches."

With everything Nature Coast's starting middle linebacker has been through in the past month, grit, determination and drive are necessities and not just cliches to describe another above-average player.

[Last modified October 26, 2006, 22:10:51]