AOTW: Reversing history: Fisher savoring the moment as first-time state qualifier
BY DAN STICKRADT
SENIOR EDITOR
dan.stickradt@northoaklandsports.com
AUBURN HILLS — Sometimes the agony of defeat can light a tremendous fire in the belly of an athlete. It sure did for Rochester Adams wrestler Mac Fisher.
A senior and four-year varsity veteran for the Highlanders, one off day during his junior year has done nothing but drive Fisher to success this winter on the wrestling mats.
Fisher overcame some upset losses last season, which left him far short of a state finals berth. He worked hard to become a first-time state qualifier as a senior.
“That’s part of wrestling,” offered Adams coach Mike Holtz of Fisher’s shortened season a year ago. “It’s what you do with that adversity. Mac came back and worked hard as a senior to make it to the state finals.”
As a junior, Fisher had a fine season, rolling up over 30 wins, earning an Oakland County meet title, finishing second at the OAA Red Division league meet with several high finishes as various invitationals. When the Division 1 Individual Districts came around, Fisher dropped a couple of matches unexpectedly and did not even advance to the regional round.
Fisher’s goal of reaching the finals and perhaps earning a top-eight medal to reach the medals stand were put on hold — for a year.
“I just didn’t wrestle well and got beat,” said Fisher .“I was really upset. But all of that made me work extra hard in the off-season. I knew this was my last year.”
This season fisher and five other seniors helped Adams win its first team district championship in 10 years. The Highlanders finished 24-5, tied for third in the ever-tough OAA Red Division which included state champion Oxford.
“It’s been a lot of fun and hard work,” said fisher, looking back at his career. “We’ve heard from Coach Holtz about the glory years of Adams wrestling. I think us seniors have helped bring Adams back. I know that the younger guys will keep it going. I think in a couple of years Adams will be one of those top teams that has a shot to get to (the team state tournament in Battle Creek) every year.”
Fisher carried his 47-13 record into this weekend’s 152-pound division with high hopes. He was already fourth at the county and league meet and third at both the district and regional — but nothing compares to the Grand March at the Palace of Auburn Hills, site of the state finals each year.
Fisher, who also plays football, is one of five Highlanders at the Palace this weekend for the Individual Wrestling State Finals. Fisher is a fine 47-13 and he joins junior Ryan Howcroft (130, 26-12), senior Kevin Jock (135, 45-13), sophomore Andrew Sabuda (135, 29-15) and senior Paul Mikhjian (189, 50-7) as Adams wrestlers that made the cut.
Overall Fisher is one of 35 wrestlers from the eight-school OAA Red Division to make the state-mmet cut, including all four of the OAA-Red meet placers at 152.
Fisher opened up his first state finals with a pin in 5:59 of Birmingham Brother Rice freshman Shon Powell, who carried an impressive 48-3 record.
Just being at the finals is not enough for Fisher, who wants to join dozens of other Highlanders who have gained state medals over the years.
“My goal is to try to make it to the medals round,” said Fisher. “That’s what I have been working for (all) four years. “
STATE FINALS-BOUND
Below are the 2011 state qualifiers from the www.northoaklandsports.com coverage area for the MHSAA Individual Wrestling State Finals, held March 3-5 at the Palace of Auburn Hills.
DIVISION 1
CLARKSTON (6): Jeff Sloney, sr. (130, 43-7); Nick Vandermeer, soph. (135, 40-18); Mike Henige, sr. (160, 46-10); Matt Vandermeer, sr. (171, 50-4); Ethan Frick, jr. (215, 25-19); Scott Devos, sr. (285, 43-7).
LAKE ORION (3): Charlie Highlen, fr. (112, 33-21); Adam Gros, sr. (171, 44-10); Mitch Ladd, sr. (189, 38-9).
OXFORD (9): Dylan Smith, sr. (103, 29-7); Keegan Cantera, sr. (112, 48-9); Rocco Borg, soph. (119, 44-11); Kyle Hill, jr. (125, 40-16); Mike Thomas, sr,. (135, 39-16); Matt Frisch, sr. (145, 47-3); Ben Ralston, sr. (160, 54-2); Matt Anger, jr. (189, 34-17); Prescott Line, jr. (215, 41-3);
ROCHESTER (6): Justin Kim, soph. (103, 39-11); Josh Wood, soph. (112, 44-7); Kaelen Richards, soph. (125, 51-2); Diego Camp, sr. (140, 30-17); Cody Devoe, jr. (160, 43-9); Marcel Johnson, sr. (215, 44-11).
ROCHESTER ADAMS (5): Ryan Howcroft, jr. (130, 26-12); Kevin Jock, sr. (135, 45-13); Andrew Sabuda, soph. (135, 29-15); Mac Fisher, sr. (152; 47-13; Paul Mikhjian, sr. (189, 50-7).
ROCHESTER STONEY CREEK (2): Nick Gajdzik, jr. (215, 48-3); Serge Andreou, jr. (285, 39-17).
DIVISION 2
AUBURN HILLS AVONDALE (4): Trevor Wright, sr. (119, 37-9); Victor Vettese, sr. (135, 40-3); Dean Vettese, soph. (140, 42-7); Kyle Reinhart, sr. (140, 41-7).
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Category: BWW Athlete of the Week, High School, Prep Wraps, Rochester Adams
