Fisher Wins SWC Title

By Andy Hutchison

After two seasons of runner-up finishes, Newtown High School wrestler Cory Fisher earned the top spot in the South-West Conference championships. Fisher earned a 7-3 decision over Immaculate/Joel Barlow’s Chris Deisenroth in the 170-pound weight division pinnacle match in New Milford on Sunday.

“It feels great. I’ve been working for it and working for it,” Fisher said. “The past few years I came up just short and for me to finally get the win this year is just awesome.”

Fisher and his finals match counterpart are familiar with one another. They had grappled earlier this season in a match also won by Fisher — but that didn’t impact the approach Fisher took in the more pressure-filled rematch.

“I went out with the same mindset. I just wrestled like I always do — just like a normal match,” the NHS senior captain said.

Fisher has had a memorable campaign; he earned his 100th career win. The senior 170-pounder now sets his sights on the Class LL State Championships. Fisher earned third place a year ago and will take aim at a title as the tournament gets going this Friday, February 17, in Trumbull.

Fisher (who went 28-3 this year) is seeded third behind No. 1 Elliott Antler of Xavier and Ryan Whittle of Greenwich. He lost a pair of close matches to those competitors during the regular season, and Newtown Coach Dan McIlrath says he believes Fisher has a shot at winning the title considering how he’s progressed throughout the season.