When Andy Fries came to the Otterbein football program in the fall of 2005, nobody expected what his class would help accomplish. The offensive lineman from Norwalk went on to help the Cardinals go 25- 16 in his four seasons, culminating with the school’s first-ever NCAA playoff appearance in 2008 as a senior. Fries wrapped up his career as a four-year letterman and three-year starter, and was elected captain during the historic 2008 campaign. The Cardinals also set a single-season record with nine wins that season.

Fries earned a starting spot at right tackle for the Cardinals during his sophomore season after helping the Cardinals to 7-3 mark during his first year in 2005. Fries began collecting the accolades in 2007, earning first-team All-Ohio Athletic Conference honors.

However, Fries saved the best for last, as he had his most outstanding season during his senior year in 2008. Fries was named to the D3football.com All-American third team and also earned second-team All Region honors. In addition, was named the OAC’s “Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman” award and selected first-team All-OAC for the second year in a row. Otterbein’s offense ranked second in the OAC and 13th nationally in scoring offense with a 38.8 point average. The team’s 378.4 yards-per-game ranked was good enough for second in the league.

Fries went on to spend two seasons as a graduate assistant for Otterbein football, coaching tight ends, before ultimately landing an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator position at Wilmington College for the 2012 season. He eventually returned to Otterbein, in 2015, as a full-time assistant.