March 23, 2007 - Rider's Fisch enjoying life as an All-American - By KEVIN O'CONNOR, Staff Writer / The Trentonian

Rider's Fisch enjoying life as an All-American 
KEVIN O'CONNOR , Staff Writer

 
LAWRENCEVILLE -- For Rider's Don Fisch, a controversial call could not ruin an All-American weekend.

Fisch, a junior 141-pound wrestler, finished in fifth place at the NCAA Division I Championships last weekend in Auburn Hills, Mich. However, it was in the quarterfinals that Fisch defeated the fourth-seeded Manuel Rivera of Minnesota to cement his All-American status.

"I was really excited after beating Rivera to become an All-American," Fisch said last night. "The rest was icing on the cake."

If becoming an All-American was the high point of Fisch’s weekend, then his next match had to be the abyss.

In the semifinals, Fisch lost a disputed decision on a controversial last-second takedown, to the top-seeded and undefeated Ryan Lang of Northwestern.

"It was a little hard sleeping after that," said an obviously disappointed Fisch.

However, the bad karma bestowed upon Fisch in the semifinals got the crowd on his side for the rest of the tournament.

Many of those in attendance let the officials hear it.

"After I lost, I noticed they were booing," said Fisch. "And after winning my fifth-place match, they were cheering me. It was exciting."

Earlier in the season, Fisch was ranked in the top 10 nationally, but he stumbled mid-season. Fisch qualified for nationals but went in unseeded. However, he knew the winning formula.

"I just went out, focused on one match at a time, with no set goals. I would try my best to beat each guy I faced," said a nearly prophetic Fisch. "I just peaked at the right time."

Rider’s newest All-American is currently enjoying the break from wrestling season. After taking a week off to relax, Fisch will begin lifting and start wrestling three days a week. He’ll be already training for next year’s nationals.

"You work your butt off all year to prepare yourself for nationals, it’s how you do at that one tournament that matters," said Fisch.

The Delsea High alum and former New Jersey state champion will likely move up one weight class next year. But after his experience this year, he will have a substantial chip on his shoulder.

Added Fisch, "I left it up to the referee (in the semifinals), the only thing I can do is improve for next time."