Goodrich-Friday night was a whiteout.
More than 2,000 jammed Roy U. Stacey Athletic Complex to honor longtime Goodrich teacher and coach Fritz Wolff, 76, who died Aug. 19 due to complications from cancer. The event was the first home game for the Martians who defeated Corunna 34-12. To honor Wolff, friends and fans donned white T-shirts, recognizing his signature white hair. In addition, the team used their white away jerseys. State Representative Joe Graves also presented a resolution of tribute from the State of Michigan for Wolff.
At halftime more than 100 former players gathered with the Wolff family at mid-field to help officially retire number 51 recognizing the number of years Fritz was in Goodrich. The jersey will be displayed at the school showcase. Wolff is survived by his wife of 52 years, Lynda; children, Michelle, Michael and Jeffery; and four grandchildren.
Lynda Wolff accepted the recognition for the family.
‘I was just blown away by the outpouring of love from the Goodrich family,? she said. ‘Friday night was more than I had expected. Fritz would be pleased and proud of the response from so many people, our family is most appreciative.?
In the fall of 1963, Wolff began teaching and coaching football at Goodrich. He would teach 42 years and retire in 2005. Fritz coached football at Goodrich for 47 years, as well as coaching at Grand Blanc and one year at Swartz Creek. In 1994 he was inducted into the Michigan High School Football Hall of Fame.
Lane May played quarterback for Wolff from 1999-2000.
‘He cared for the kids,? said May. ‘Mr. Wolff would throw in a life lesson in addition to teaching American history.?
Matt Bohlen played defensive back and tight end from 1996-97.
‘He was aggressive in practice’that made us aggressive in the game,? he said. ‘He never let us skip out or let up.?
Kirk Elsworth was a running back and safety for Wolff from 2001-05.
‘He was a great guy and demanded the best out of his players,? he said. ‘He really cared for each individual and was a history guru. Coach challenged us every day.?
Wolff taught general math at the middle school level and physical education at both the middle school and high school, then went on to teach what he said was his forte for most of his teaching career? American history.
Meredith (Mayberry) Dimick was a history student in Wolff’s class in 2003. She came to the football game on Friday night to honor him.
‘Mr. Wolff was intimidating until you started talking to him then, you realized how sweet he was,? she said.