Fischer honored: Former Blue Jay cited for athletics, academics

Danny Fischer’s name was synonymous with Jamestown High School sports.

A former three-sport athlete for the Blue Jays, Fischer had grown accustomed to hearing his name over the loudspeaker.

However, a big part of Fischer’s success didn’t happen on a playing field; it was in a classroom.

Fischer, a 4.0 student headed to Northern State on a baseball scholarship, is the recipient of numerous added scholarships that will help him pay for college.

“I tried to give 100 percent in school,” Fischer said. “I took school very serious.

“There were definitely some stressful times. You’re always gonna have that being an athlete and a student. You get home at 12:30 or 1 in the morning and you’ve got to be up for school the next day. I think it’s fun. It’s a challenge.”

Fischer was awarded the Tom Gould Baseball Scholarship, which is given to a baseball player who has demonstrated “academic promise, good character and leadership qualities.” Gould lives in Jamestown, where he continues to serve the community in a variety of ways.

That one “really stood out,” Fischer said. “Mr. Gould has been an unbelievable role model for me. He’s definitely been a father figure. I was lucky enough to have him as a coach in middle school for basketball and baseball. He’s a role model for a lot of kids. To be able to get this one is really special.”

Fischer was also awarded the Tom Gould Baseball Scholarship, Jerry Knoble Memorial Award, the Darin Erstad Scholar/Athlete Award and the Twelve Season Award, the last of which recognizes an athlete for playing four years in three different sports.

“It was actually really surprising to get that many,” Fischer said. “It was a really rewarding feeling.”

Fischer intends on pursuing a teaching degree in history/social sciences with a coaching credential.

Sun sports writer Chris Aarhus can be reached at (701) 952-8462 or by email at caarhus@jamestownsun.com

Tags: sports, jays, basketball