David Leigh Freije

Son of Louis James Freije and Bobbie Rose (Winningham) Freije (both deceased) brother of Louis Freije (deceased), Joseph Freije (Marjorie), Timothy Freije (Margaret), Marianne Anderson and Edward Freije (Karis).

Father to Christopher Jason Freije, uncle to 3 nieces and 4 nephews.

David was an outgoing, generous, friendly, and loyal person. He gave much time and energy to his schools, friends, students, and neighbors. David was a highly disciplined and accomplished athlete in high school and college. In high school he finished third in the Indiana State Wrestling Tournament 2 times; being beaten solely by the same State Champion each year.

At the University of Evansville in Indiana, David received early recognition when he won a four-school quad-match vs. Ohio State, Minnesota, and Purdue. He also advanced to the Semi-finals of the NCAA National Tournament as a sophomore. David set multiple school records, becoming the most successful wrestler in U of E’s history at that point in time. Due to multiple injuries and a school transfer, he saw limited action in his final college years.

David earned a BS in Education from Ball State University, and soon moved to Arizona to teach and coach at Miami High School. In his time coaching high school, he coached multiple individual State Champions, and State Place-winners. After several years at the high school level David took a job at Mesa Junior High coaching wrestling, and teaching math. Athletically, his teams proceeded to win numerous team and individual Mesa City Championships. The biggest impact he had, and the aspect David enjoyed most about his calling would not be seen until years later. He loved seeing his students and wrestlers earn high school and college degrees, successfully start careers, and raise families of their own. He often spoke of the importance of work ethic, the value of education, the need for sense of family, and the virtue of showing support for, and caring for all those with whom you come in to contact.

Over 27 years of coaching and teaching, David mentored hundreds of young athletes and thousands of students. His favorite subject was math. However; his avocation was helping young people become better human beings. He was a father figure to many of his students and neighbors. He was specifically proud of his son Chris, whom he loved dearly. Mentoring Chris through a very successful wrestling and coaching career was perhaps the greatest joy in his life.

David had an adventurous side as well. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved camping and exploring Arizona and neighboring states in the Southwestern USA. Two of his most favorite hobbies were rattlesnake hunting and white-water rafting. The Salt River Canyon was the place he loved most in AZ.

Many people will remember him, his zeal for life, and generous giving to others. A life celebration will be held in AZ at a future date.