​The byline is known by at least 90 percent of Kansas State Wildcats fans.And by 90, that’s being generous.For more than 30, D. Scott Fritchen has covered K-State athletics for a variety of outlets since graduating in the late 1990s. He has spent the past several years writing for the school’s website telling stories only a true insider would know.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementNow, the masterful storyteller of others is in the middle of his own. Fritchen recently announced he was dealing with a heart issue that required surgery. When the news was revealed, he immediately began receiving an outpouring of support from K-State fans and media members from around the Big 12.Fritchen was diagnosed with a condition called aortic dissection, a cardiovascular disease that results in a tear in the layer of the heart. He underwent successful surgery but faces a long road to recovery. A GoFundMe page started for Fritchen had already raised more than $9,300 to help pay for rising, expensive medical costs. There is no timetable of when Fritchen will return to covering the Wildcats but that is the least of anyone’s worries.Before the surgery, Fritchen was in his usual location of covering the Wildcats at Big 12 Media Days in Frisco, Texas. He told stories of Collin Klein getting set for his debut season as head coach and quarterback Avery Johnson preparing for his senior season.Fritchen also had a strong relationship with K-State legendary coach Bill Snyder. It was so solid he wrote a book, Bill Snyder: My Football Life and the Rest of the Story,” on the most beloved figure in school history.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHere’s hoping Fritchen has a speedy recovery in the next few weeks and avoids the stress of expensive medical care. This way, he is back in the press box telling stories that Wildcats fans have grown to love over the last three decades.MORE K-STATE NEWS Wildcats’ put defensive hopes in the hands of Jordan PetersonIs Collin Klein in perfect situation at K-State?Running back Joe Jackson ready to unleash new part of gameJOIN THE COMMUNITYDon’t miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!It’s completely free to join, simply by clicking the yellow button at the top of the homepage. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementShandel Richardson is the publisher of KStateRoundtable. He can be reached at shandelrich@gmail.com