At the Norris track meet on April 3, junior Barry Fries placed 3rd in the 110 meter hurdles and 4th in the 300 meter hurdles. This achievement is made even more impressive by the recovery Fries made after an injury he sustained last season.
During the middle of the 2024 track season Fries suffered an evolution fracture in his hip while competing in a race. This left Fries unable to compete for the rest of his season and even cut into his summer as he prepared for the football season.
Coming back to a sport after suffering a major injury can be a very nerve racking thing, so it was important for the coaches to have Fries ease into his training.
“He really hasn’t even run much at all since he’s come back,” hurdles coach Lindsey Schlosser said. “The fact that he is even on the track again is impressive.”
The hurdles are an event that has the potential to cause serious injury. The willingness of Fries to continue hurdling really speaks to how he is as a competitor and an athlete.
“He picks events that are not easy for him and could injure him again,” Schlosser said.
Norris marked Fries first meet since the injury, so expectations were not incredibly high due to limited running Fries has done. His performance smashed any expectations, beating out many talented athletes that were able to train much more than him.
“Where he left off in the 110s, he is right where he left off,” Schlosser said, “And in the 300 he even pr’ed.”
Since Fries hasn’t been able to run as often due to his recovery, he has spent time working on shot put and discus which is something that is completely new to him.
“He has developed quickly for him, never throwing before this,” senior thrower Ben Madrigal said. “As long as he continues to work, he will be good.”
On Sunday, Fries announced his commitment to Iowa State to play football. Although Fries could easily choose to quit track after his injury and fully focus on football, he instead chose to keep working and his accomplishments this season are proof of his dedication and grit.
