Coffeyville Community College proudly announces the selection of Coach Willie Fritz as the 2024 Graduation Speaker. With a distinguished career spanning over three decades, Coach Fritz brings a wealth of experience and leadership to inspire and empower the graduating class of 2024.

Coach Fritz's journey in collegiate football coaching is marked by excellence and dedication. Before achieving national acclaim, he served as the Defensive Coordinator at Coffeyville Community College from 1987 to 1990. During this time, Coach Fritz played an instrumental role in shaping the success of the Red Ravens' football program, under the direction of Coach Skip Foster, in winning the NJCAA 1990 National Championship. He also contributed to the development of student-athletes both on and off the field.

Hailing from Shawnee Mission, Kansas, Coach Fritz's coaching career has taken him to various institutions, where he has left an indelible mark on the programs he led. His coaching prowess was evident during his tenure at Tulane University, where he earned back-to-back American Athletic Conference Coach of the Year awards and led the Green Wave to remarkable successes, including consecutive appearances in the American Athletic Conference Championship games and a thrilling Cotton Bowl victory against USC. 

Beyond his coaching accolades, Fritz's impact extends to nurturing student-athletes both on and off the field. At Central Missouri, he achieved remarkable success, boasting a 67.4% winning percentage and guiding numerous players to All-MIAA honors and academic achievements. Fritz's coaching philosophy emphasizes excellence in all aspects of the game, reflected in his teams' performances and his players' academic achievements. With a legacy marked by success and dedication, Fritz continues to inspire and lead in the world of collegiate football. In December of 2023, Fritz, was appointed the 16th Head Coach to the University of Houston, bringing with him his 30 years of greater football knowledge.

"Coach Fritz embodies the values of excellence, perseverance, and leadership that we strive to instill in our students at Coffeyville Community College," said President, Dr. Marlon Thornburg. "We are honored to have him as our 2024 Graduation Speaker, and we are confident that his words of wisdom will inspire our graduates as they embark on their next chapter."

Coach Fritz's appointment as the 2024 Graduation Speaker underscores his commitment to education and mentorship, reflecting his dedication to shaping the future leaders of tomorrow.