Kansas State University Athletics
Longtime FB Staffer Joan Friederich Passes Away
Dec 23, 2021 | Football, Athletics
MANHATTAN, Kan. – Joan Friederich, who retired from the Kansas State football program in 2017 after 45 years of service at the school, passed away Wednesday.
Friederich started working in the Kansas State football offices in 1973 as an administrative assistant for the team's assistant coaches. In 1980, then-coach Jim Dickey promoted Friederich to serve in the same role for the head coach, and she remained in that capacity for Dickey, Stan Parrish, Ron Prince and Bill Snyder – twice.
The Leonardville native impacted countless coaches, staff members and student-athletes for nearly half a century and was known for her honesty, love for football and of course, her daily hugs and candy jar.
Not only did she care for current members of the program, but the number of players and staff members to visit her years and decades following their time in Manhattan was full proof of the relationships she built.
Following the 1998 football season, the Joan Friederich Award was established to honor the individual in the program who, through his unselfishness, leadership and commitment, best represented the team concept. She also was presented with the Admiral U.S. Grant Sharp Trophy at the 1999 Holiday Bowl, which honors someone who displays unselfish dedication and teamwork.
K-State Sports Extra writing specialist Scott Fritchen will have a more in-depth look at the impact Friederich had on the Wildcat community in the coming days.
Friederich started working in the Kansas State football offices in 1973 as an administrative assistant for the team's assistant coaches. In 1980, then-coach Jim Dickey promoted Friederich to serve in the same role for the head coach, and she remained in that capacity for Dickey, Stan Parrish, Ron Prince and Bill Snyder – twice.
The Leonardville native impacted countless coaches, staff members and student-athletes for nearly half a century and was known for her honesty, love for football and of course, her daily hugs and candy jar.
Not only did she care for current members of the program, but the number of players and staff members to visit her years and decades following their time in Manhattan was full proof of the relationships she built.
Following the 1998 football season, the Joan Friederich Award was established to honor the individual in the program who, through his unselfishness, leadership and commitment, best represented the team concept. She also was presented with the Admiral U.S. Grant Sharp Trophy at the 1999 Holiday Bowl, which honors someone who displays unselfish dedication and teamwork.
K-State Sports Extra writing specialist Scott Fritchen will have a more in-depth look at the impact Friederich had on the Wildcat community in the coming days.
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