JAMESTOWN -A man who’s been guiding student athletes to success for almost 30 years will be inducted into the Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame in February.
Curt Fisher started coaching at Maple Grove in 1992, but his journey began long before that.
He attended Falconer Central School where he lettered in three sports.
“He was a great athlete, but he worked hard to become a great leader,” said Bill Race, Fisher’s coach at Falconer. “Coaching has been in his blood forever.”
“He got all of his information from going to clinics and talking to other people that knew more than he did,” Race said.
Fisher graduated from Falconer in 1981 and was named Outstanding Male Athlete that same year.
Race says his ability to connect with his players is the reason why he’s been so successful.
“He’s not just interested in the football aspect of things, he’s interested in them,” said Race. “He’s interested in their grades and where they’re going to school (college). He’s worked hard to place his students in schools.”
Since taking over as football coach at Maple Grove, Fisher has guided his teams to four state title games, winning two of them (1998, 2008).
Fisher’s team made what many consider an impropable run to the title game this year but lost to Cambridge 26-14.
The school spoke to the skeptics on its Twitter account following the loss.
“Nobody besides us thought we would make it this far. Nobody sees the behind the scenes work we put in. Next season starts now,” read the tweet.
“He allows the kids to express themselves, and that way they buy in to whatever sports he’s coaching,”said Rice.
Fisher’s resume includes titles in baseball, basketball and softball.
In addition to Fisher’s induction, the Chatauqua Sports Hall of Fame will enshrine seven others at its 37th annual event scheduled for Monday, February 19th, 2018 at the Lakewood Rod and Gun Club.
The Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame new honorees will bring the hall’s total to 191.
The living inductees are Dick Cole, Curt Fischer, Lori Franchina, Sheilah (Lingenfelter) Gulas, Fran Sirianni, Clem Worosz and Phil Young.
The late Jim Riggs will also be inducted.
Tickets for the induction dinner are priced at $50. 2018 banquet reservations can be made by calling chairman Chip Johnson at 716-485-6991.