It hasn't been long since Wilmington College offensive line coach Andy Fries roamed the sidelines of Otterbein's Memorial Stadium; first as an All-OAC performer, and then as a graduate assistant. Saturday marks his return as the "enemy" as Wilmington meets the Cardinals in Ohio Athletic Conference action.
"It's crossed my mind a few times," said Fries. "More so this week, than any week. Watching film was a completely different experience."
During his playing day, Fries was a two-time first team All-OAC performer and was voted OAC Lineman of the Year in 2008. He was also named second team All-Region and third team All-American. Following graduation, he was a graduate assistant for two seasons before moving to Lakeland College for a season.
Not only is it a return to the Otterbein, but to the Ohio Athletic Conference.
"To be back in a great league like the OAC is special," Fries added. "To make my "return" at Memorial Stadium is even better. I have some great memories from that stadium, including being a part of beating a Top 10 Capital team in the inaugural game (at Memorial Stadium), and playing in the school's first playoff game there. I wouldn't say there is anything extra. It's special because it's Otterbein's homecoming. Above all we want to win. The game is more than just me returning to Otterbein."
Despite the fact Otterbein named a new head coach since his departure from Westerville things haven't changed much. Head coach Tim Doup was an assistant coach on the staff as well as defensive coordinator Allan Moore and quarterbacks coach Dan Damico.
He credits Doup as a "very intregal in my success as an offensive lineman".
"I owe him more than I can express," he added.
It's also Homecoming at Otterbein, so Fries can expect some guys from his time on campus to be sporting the red and gold giving him some good-natured ribbing.
"There are going to be a handful of guys from my time there and it will be great to see them and reminisce," said Fries. "I've already been called a turncoat once in good humor, I'm sure it might happen again."