News Summary

Albany welcomes back TJ Frericks as its new head baseball coach and special education teacher, bringing a wealth of experience and a passion for education. After coaching and teaching at Lake of the Woods High School, Frericks is eager to embrace the community and its baseball tradition. Facing challenges, he aims to instill resilience in his players while making a meaningful impact in the classroom. As he prepares for a new chapter in Albany, Frericks balances his professional commitments with family life, looking forward to growing in both areas.

Welcome Home, TJ Frericks: Albany’s New Baseball Coach and Special Education Teacher

Albany, Minnesota – Excitement is in the air as the community welcomes back a familiar face, TJ Frericks. A proud 2013 graduate of St. Cloud Apollo High School, Frericks has returned home to take on the roles of head baseball coach and special education teacher in Albany. After spending three fulfilling years teaching social studies and coaching baseball at Lake of the Woods High School in Baudette, he’s ready to embrace his new journey in a place that holds many memories.

A New Chapter Begins

Frericks’ recent venture began when he applied for the head baseball coach position after the previous coach, Grant Johnson, transitioned to become the head boys basketball coach. He put his best foot forward in his interview on July 18, and by July 21, he received not just an offer for the coaching role but also a special education teaching position at the elementary school in Avon. This dual role is something he’s highly enthusiastic about, as he believes in building on Albany’s rich baseball tradition.

Facing Challenges Together

This year, the Albany baseball team boasts a strong record of 16-10 from last season. However, things are looking slightly different moving forward. With upcoming realignments, Albany will be competing in Class 3A and Section 8-3A, which comes with its share of challenges, especially as Albany will be the smallest school in this class for the next two years. But Frericks isn’t fazed; he knows that coaching is more than just wins and losses. His previous coaching experience has taught him the value of patience, and he’s eager to instill this mindset in his players.

A Commitment to Education

In his new role as a special education teacher, Frericks is not only excited about coaching baseball but also about working with young students. He feels that shifting from high school to elementary education presents a wonderful opportunity for personal growth. With his intentions of earning a special education degree within the next three years, Frericks is determined to make a lasting impact on the lives of his students and players alike.

Building the Future

TJ Frericks is not just a dedicated coach and teacher, but also a family man. He is married to Kali Neu, and together they have a lively son, Thomas III, who will be turning 2 this August. The couple is also anticipating the arrival of their second child in January. As they prepare for their growing family, they plan to sell their home in Baudette and settle in either the St. Cloud or Albany area, ensuring they remain close to the community.

A Journey of Resilience

Frericks’ journey has been anything but ordinary. He played baseball during his time at Apollo and continued at Wabash Valley Community College. However, a significant health turning point occurred in June 2015 when he was diagnosed with leukemia after experiencing troubling health issues following a game. After a rigorous treatment process and subsequent negative tests for recurrence, he triumphed over his health battles and earned his education degree from St. Cloud State in 2020.

A New Beginning in Albany

Aside from his teaching and coaching responsibilities, Frericks is currently enjoying some quality family time at a cabin in Crosslake before the school year kicks off. With a deep-rooted passion for both education and baseball, TJ Frericks is gearing up to make a positive impact in Albany. The entire community looks forward to cheering him on as he takes on this dual role, shaping not just the future of young athletes but enriching the lives of the children in Albany’s elementary school.

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