Future Maryland Terps wrestler headlines nine Snow Hill college commits

Decklan Fischer never really expected wrestling to take him anywhere big.

When he was in fifth grade, a young Fischer joined the wrestling team in hopes to learn moves that would help him take down his two older brothers, who were normally beating on him.

Fischer discovered that wrestling came natural to him, but almost quit the sport two years later because his heart didn’t appear to be in it. But through clubs and practice, he stuck with it and ultimately joined Snow Hill’s team once he entered high school.

Over his four-year career, Fischer tallied many wins, broke records and established a reputation as one of the top wrestlers in his class on the Eastern Shore.

“I realized this was my true passion, and I haven’t looked back since,” Fischer said. “I’ve got a lot of unfinished business out on the mat I want to take care of. Got a lot of stuff I want to win, and I just have to keep working towards that.”

One of Fischer’s biggest accomplishments came in January when the senior broke his older brother’s record for most wins in school history. Suiting up in the 138-pound class, the wrestler was a force for Snow Hill, tallying more than 135 total victories.

When it came time to decide whether he wanted to take his skills to the college level, Fischer once again followed in his older brother’s footsteps, committing to the University of Maryland College Park’s wrestling program.

His older brother, Camden, wrestles for Lehigh University — a Division I program.

“At the end of the day, I’m always going to be the person that strives to get to the top, so that’s why D-1 was the answer for me,” Fischer said. “Wrestling was definitely something I did because (Camden) did …then I just fell in love with it. Around sophomore year, I decided this is the path I want to choose. I’m looking forward to the next step.”

READ MORE:Snow Hill wrestler beats brother's record to become all-time wins leader

READ MORE:Despite team's struggles, Allen remains solid threat for Snow Hill football

Fischer signed his national letter of intent Wednesday at Snow Hill, but he wasn’t the only Eagles athlete who will take their game to the next level.

Eight other members of the school will head to college programs after graduation, having athletes at each level of the NCAA.

Snow Hill produced four college football players in A-Monty Allen, Ray’shon Baine, Stanyle Coulbourne and Jordan Bishop.

Bishop and Baine will suit up at the Division III stage, playing for Lebanon Valley and Wesley, respectively. But Allen and Coulbourne will stick together, taking the gridiron at Bowie State University.

Allen was the sole player from Snow Hill to earn an All-Bayside first team nod in 2017, while Coulbourne was awarded a second team selection.

“I do this for my family,” Allen said. “(Coulbourne and I) have been friends since third grade. We played against each other growing up, and now we’ve got four more years playing with each other. It’s going to be great, and it’s going to be fun.”  

Going through a frustrating recruiting process, Allen said he felt like giving up at times and putting his football career to the side.

The senior had experienced much frustration during his time with the Eagles’ football team. In October, Snow Hill finally won its first game since 2014, in a tight battle against Washington. Throughout the season, Allen had also dealt with injuries, while playing multiple positions due to a lack of depth.

But wanting to make his family proud and play the sport he loves, the Snow Hill running back pushed through the adversity and eventually found a new place to call home.

READ MORE:Snow Hill's Hall preparing for next chapter in athletic career

“I think I did great, but I think I could have done better,” Allen said. “Things happen, and sometimes I wish I could go back and get better, but I’m just going to take that experience and learn from it. I’m going to go into college and get better.”

The Eagles also sent off a trio of soccer players, as Zack Donoway signed with Lycoming College, while Kelsey Hall and Haley Cook announced their commitment to Washington College and Notre Dame of Maryland University, respectively.

Bailey Lambertson also signed with William Peace University for softball.

Having won the Bayside South Player of the Year award in 2017 to go along with multiple first team honors, Hall said she’s ready to take her game to the next level. Wanting to stay close with her family and friends, the multi-sport athlete chose a school where she could meet new people while still being close to home.

“It’s exciting, but I’m very nervous at the same time,” Hall said. “I've loved being able to play for my school the past four years, but it’s going to be very exciting to take that to the next level with all that I’ve learned from my coaches.”

With a large group of athletes heading to college, Hall said it speaks volumes to the program’s dedication to its players and teams.

While she’s excited to take the next step in her own journey, the Snow Hill senior hopes her success will send a message of determination to the current Eagles’ athletes.

Though they might be playing in the small town of Snow Hill, Hall said anything is possible with hard work and support from coaches and teammates.

“Put in the time and effort and you’ll get the same results,” Hall said. “It’s been a honor playing at Snow Hill, and I’m very grateful for the people and the coaches I’ve been able to play with.”

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