Friendly Rivals

Today, we venture into new territory as we welcome Steve Fritz ... yes, that Steve Fritz ... the one who played at St. Thomas University from 1967-71 ... joined the coaching staff under Tom Feely ... took over the program in 1980 ... won an NCAA Division III championship in his final season as head coach in 2011 after 40 seasons on the bench ... 31 of those as head coach ... during that tenure he had a decorated playing career and his 1,944 career points ... a school record at the time and remains second in school history. His 915 career rebounds is still third all-time in school history. Between his playing and coaching career he was a part of Tommie basketball for 1,199 consecutive games. His teams reached the NCAA tourney 12 times and Fritz was named MIAC coach of the year 14 times ... as well as ending his career with more than two decades as athletic director. And if you’re still with us after all that effusive praise for an individual at least partially responsible for much consternation on the part of Johnnie fans over four and a half decades I know you’re going to love this episode. A conversation between two good friends who happen to be two of the most successful coaches in the history of Minnesota basketball.
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This season of "No Place I'd Rather Be ..." is sponsored by the Sexton Family Foundation, helping usher in the next generation of leaders. And Sixth Man Enterprises, creating a state of readiness. Thank you for making this project possible.
Thank you to Steve Fritz, for his willingness to entrust us with his stories. And thank you to Johnnie alum Steve Cummings ‘83, at Nova Consulting, for the use of their beautiful facilities.
Are you a member of the Johnnie Basketball Alumni Association? You should be! Sign up right now to join the Johnnie Basketball Nation and connect with teammates and friends, flip through old photos, even listen to episodes of the podcast. Founded and managed by SJU basketball alumni and friends, the Johnnie Basketball Alumni Association exists to foster the already formidable Johnnie Basketball Nation. Go to johnniebasketballalumni.org to see what it's all about.
Thank you as always to Coach Jim Smith, whose new book with former player '69 grad Paul Bernabei chronicling the history of 123 seasons of basketball in Collegeville is available for purchase through the Saint John’s University Bookstore. Proceeds from the book are donated to the Jim Smith Endowment Basketball Leadership Program Fund to enhance and strengthen the SJU basketball experience. Get yourself a copy today.
Take a look through the record books, learn more about the success-filled history of Johnnie basketball, watch live games and stay up-to-date on all Johnnies sports action at gojohnnies.com.