For The Tribune
Evan Frische has played different sports at Seymour, but there is no doubt what his favorite is — football.
“I think my favorite part that sets it apart from other sports is just the hard work that it takes, and the brotherhood we have with players around us,” Frische said.
Frische said he has been playing football since fifth grade.
His junior season ended prematurely when he broke a fibula in two different places, and dislocated an ankle in the Columbus East game.
He changed from baseball to track last spring.
“I mainly (switched sports) because I felt like it would be a good rehab getting into summer football stuff, and I felt like I could help out the track team,” Frische said. “At the end of track I still had some difficulties. I would catch myself limping every once in a while when I’d be running, but now that I’ve had a year last week I feel like I’m good to go. I really don’t have any problems.”
Frische is in his third season as a starting outside linebacker for the Owls.
He also played receiver last fall, and this fall he lines up at receiver, half-back and tight end.
Frische said linebacker is his favorite position because he gets to hit opposing ball carriers or receivers.
“This year I play on the right side about every time, and I like it better because of my leg,” he said. “The outside linebackers guard the slots. We either run man-to-man or we’ll play a little zone coverage with safety over top.
“My main job of offense I mainly play tight end or H back. Usually it’s just a blocking scheme where I either have to block a defensive end or a linebacker ahead of me. Occasionally they’ll pass the ball to me.
Outside of games, the Owls spend a lot of time preparing for opponents.
“Sometimes coach will give us a packet, and we have to study it, like their tendencies and their best players and stuff like that,” Frische said. “We look for small things, like a guard might pull or something, and we’ll pick up on that and we know the ball is going here, or the way they line up might give away a certain play.”
He said he enjoys track and he helped the Owls win the 4×800 relay in the sectional last spring.
He also ran the 400-meter run, the 800-meter run , and 4×400 relay last spring.
“I would say my favorite event is the 400,” Frische said. “I like to be in lane one because the whole race I feel like I’m behind and I push myself.
“My best time in the 400 last year was 55 seconds. The start of the 400 isn’t as much firing out of the blocks as it is keeping a steady pace throughout the race and you’ve got to know when to kick it into gear and get going. I’d say you’re probably running 80 percent most of the lap, and then when you get to the 200 kick it in, and the final 100 meters I try to get it all I’ve got.”
Athletics have offered more than physical fitness for Frische.
“I’ll definitely remember all the friends I’ve made,” Frische said. “Sports is something you can’t replace, all the memories you’ve made with them, all the times you’ve had.”
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Parents: Sheila Green, Mike Frische
Siblings: Kaitlyn, Lauren
Sports: football 4 year, track 2 years, baseball 2 years, basketball 2 years
Athletic highlights: track-3,200 relay sectional champions
Organizations: National Honor Society
Plans after high school: attend University of Indianapolis, or Indiana University Purdue University
Indianapolis to study physical therapy
Favorite food: steak
Favorite TV show: Sportscenter
Favorite musician: J. Cole
Favorite team: Indianapolis Colts
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Q: What’s a football play you will never forget?
A: “Probably my favorite highlight throughout my career is scoring my first touchdown, even though that just happened week one (against Silver Creek). It took a while but I got it done. It was a short pass play.”
Q: What has it been like attending Seymour High School?
A: “I’ve really enjoyed the aspects around it all. The teachers are all nice and helpful, and the students around you it’s a good atmosphere. I hear the senior year goes by quick and I’m just trying to make the most of it while I’m still here. I’m sure college will be fun it it’s not going to be the same.”
Q: What will you miss about playing at Bulleit Stadium?
A: “The games here are really something you can’t replace. There’s no better feeling in sports other than coming out of that tunnel before the game and just running on the field and playing in front of your fans. Away games are fun, they’re nice, but just not the same.”
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