Many student-athletes dream of playing at a Division 1 level after their high school careers end. For Barry Fries, this dream is now a reality.
The Elkhorn North senior is graduating early so he can begin practicing with his new team ahead of schedule. Fries will be starting at Iowa State months before most students transition to college athletics, allowing him to adapt to the program, the playbook, and the faster pace of Division 1 football.
The jump to Division 1 football is major and it’s not just about athletic ability, it’s about developing the mental toughness and discipline required to compete at the nation’s highest collegiate level.
College teams are made up of top players from every state, meaning even the “worst” teams feature elite players. That challenge is exactly why Fries chose to enroll early. He wants to prepare himself for the higher level of play by adapting to the team’s expectations.
“I had an excellent talk with the Iowa State head coach,” Fries said. “He talked to me about how this (graduating early) would set me ahead of the competition and get me ready to play against the other D1 kids.”
Ultimately, after talking with his coaches, Fries decided to make the difficult decision and graduate early.
”I spoke to coach Stanley and coach Dunn, and they told me that leaving early would be a good option if I wanted to adjust to the college level competition,” Fries said. “But they also said to me that even if I didn’t go, I could still be ready for the next level.”
Fries, a senior linebacker at Elkhorn North, has been a key part of the Wolves’ success this season, helping the team achieve an impressive 8-2 record and earn their first ever win against their rival, Bennington. As team captain, he’s set the tone for the locker room and earned the trust of his teammates both as a leader and as a player.
He’s recorded 33 solo tackles, 76 total tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 2 interceptions while also contributing 2 touchdowns at the tight end position, showcasing his skills and versatility on both sides of the ball. These achievements have made him a role model for underclassmen and a standout athlete in the community.
With Fries being a star athlete, he is also recognized as a great leader for his teammates.
“He’s hardworking and such a great teammate to have. He’s one of those players that you would hate to go against but would love to have him on your team,” said offensive coordinator Anthony Dunn.
As Fries prepares to join Iowa State, he hopes to bring that same leadership to his new team, influencing not just his future teammates but everyone in the program.
“Barry isn’t one of those selfish players who only cares about themselves; he’s one of those guys who cares about how the whole team is doing”, junior Andersen Taylor said. “He’s a great guy to look up to.”
He is looking forward to the new friendships he’ll build, and the ways he’ll grow personally and academically as he takes on new challenges, making the most of his time both in the classroom and on the field.
Fries plans to take his hard work, leadership, and dedication that made him great at Elkhorn North with him to Iowa State. By enrolling early, he is prepared to set himself apart and eventually grow into a leader at the Division 1 level.
Not only is he planning to succeed on the field, but he also wants to make an impact off the field by getting involved in the campus community, being a positive influence, and upholding the high standards set by his coaches.
“If anyone can adjust, it’s Barry. He puts in the time and effort and is a very coachable player,” Dunn said. “He’s just overall a great player and teammate. I just know he will do great things with any team he is put on.”
