Friedgen Taking On a Healthier Outlook

Ralph Friedgen flipped up the front of his striped Maryland polo shirt yesterday morning and unbuckled his black leather belt. Seven months ago, the football coach couldn't wrap the belt -- a gift from an alumnus -- all the way around his waist, much less cinch it down to the fifth notch. He held one end out, about an inch apart from the other. 'That's about as close as it got,' Friedgen said. 'I called [the alumnus] the other day and told him I think I'm going to need a new belt.' All of Friedgen's clothes are fitting looser these days. Since October, he has steadfastly adhered to a diet plan and has lost 86 pounds. The 62-year-old coach who preaches discipline to his players finally followed the same principle himself when it came to his health.