Panther Senior Zach Friedrich Recognized by The Sporting News

Published: April 13, 2021

GREENVILLE, Ill. - The achievements of a Greenville College football student-athlete have been recognized by a nationally recognized publication, The Sporting News. Zach Friedrich, a senior from Selah, Wash., was named to the publication's NCAA Division III preseason All-American team.

Last season Friedrich caught 61 passes for 856 yards and nine touchdowns. All three totals were team-leading marks. His 856 reception yards were almost four times as many as the next highest on the Greenville team and his 61 receptions were three times as many as the next highest in that category.

Following the 2008 season, Friedrich was selected to the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference all-conference first team as a tight end.

Friedrich led the SLIAC in 2008 with 6.1 receptions per game and 85.6 receiving yards per game. He ranked third with nine touchdowns and fifth in scoring with 5.6 points per game on nine touchdowns and two two-point conversions. In addition, Friedrich's 856 all-purpose yards were eighth highest in the conference.

"Zach is a pleasure to coach," said offensive coordinator Jeff DiSandro. "Along with great physical attributes, he has tremendous work ethic. He is tenacious on the field and goes 100 percent 100 percent of the time."

Over his three-year career in the football program, the team has won 17 of 30 games, and Friedrich has evolved from a player with just 28 receptions, 321 yards, and two touchdowns in his first two years combined to a player the program showcased for his play-making ability in 2008.

"One of my favorite things about Zach as a football player is his competitive drive," said DiSandro. "He plays every play as if it was his last. Zach is also a high football IQ guy. All of those qualities added together make him a great football player for us, and we have been happy to have him for four years."

Friedrich and the Panthers begin their 2009 season on Saturday, Sept. 5, with a game against Washington University in St. Louis at 7 p.m.

For more information, please contact
B.J. Schneck
Sports Information Director
(618) 664-6621
william.schneck@greenville.edu