COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- Ralph Friedgen, who restored the Maryland football program to national relevance during his decade tenure as the head coach of the Terrapins from 2001-10, will be presented a Lifetime Achievement Award at the DC Touchdown Club 3M Awards Dinner on Thursday, April 21 in Bethesda.
Dinner tickets and Touchdown Club memberships are on sale now as the Touchdown Club honors the best and brightest in the National Capital Region's football community.
"We are thrilled to be able to honor Coach Friedgen, celebrate his career and present him with this award," Military Bowl Foundation President & Executive Director Steve Beck said. "Coach Friedgen was one of the nation's leading offensive minds and his teams achieved remarkable success. He was instrumental in the rebirth of Maryland football in the 21st century."
Friedgen, who has been named the national Coach of the Year and also won the Broyles Awards as the nation's top assistant coach, had been a career-long assistant until he was hired at Maryland following the 2000 season. A 1970 graduate of Maryland, Friedgen had also been a graduate assistant coach at the school to begin his career as well as the Terrapins' offensive line coach and offensive coordinator from 1982 to 1986.
Affectionately known as "Fridge," he inherited a team that had not played in a bowl game in 10 seasons. That first season, in 2001, Friedgen led Maryland to a 10-2 record, the ACC title and a berth in the Orange Bowl.
In 10 seasons in College Park, Friedgen guided the Terrapins to seven bowl appearances and a 75-50 record.
For more information on the event, contact Military Bowl Foundation, Inc. Director of External Relations, Josh Barr (jbarr@militarybowl.org).
About the DC Touchdown Club:
The DC Touchdown Club honors the best in Washington Metro football, with year-round events highlighted by an annual awards dinner. Operated by the Military Bowl Foundation, the Club promotes the game of football, hosts entertaining social events and generates a significant philanthropic impact for Patriot Point. To learn more about the DC Touchdown Club, visit dctouchdownclub.com or follow DC Touchdown Club on Twitter and Instagram @DCTouchdownClub and like DC Touchdown Club on Facebook.
