Monroe-Woodbury's mat Crusade

Central Valley - Talent comes and goes with each graduation class, but there has been one constant for the Monroe-Woodbury wrestling team. The constant is coach Steve Fischbein. “I wrestled for Monroe-Woodbury in High School from 80-84,” Fischbein said. “I was the section 9 champ in 1983 and fourth New York State.” From there, Fischbein continued his love affair with the sport, first in college and then as a high school coach. “I college wrestled at Brockport,” the Crusader skipper said. “And I have coached the past 11 years at M-W.” In the past decade, it isn’t hard for the coach to find a few standout moments. “I have coached three section 9 championship teams with M-W, Fischbein said. “And the 2000 team was ranked #1 in New York.” Despite all of his success, that is not what keeps the coach coming back for more. “I have a true passion for the sport of wrestling,” Fischbein said. “It is one of the most competitive sports their is and I love the one on one aspect of it.” Like any good coach, Fischbein knows his team will only be as strong as the crop of talent available to him. “The M-W wrestlers are extremely dedicated and very hard workers,” the coach said. “On this year’s team I have three wrestlers ranked in the top 20 in the senior class including the number two and four kids.” Even with the hard work, the Crusaders have some holes to fill. “I only have two returning wrestlers that placed in the Section 9 tournament last year,” Fischbein said. “But, I have a very good group of young wrestlers. Our JV team is the defending section 9 champions.” And like any good commander, Fischbein knows where the strength in his squad lies. “Jamie Franco is my best wrestler and one of the best in the state,” the coach said. “Last year as a freshman he placed second in New York State at 112 pounds.” Franco is one of three captains that Fischbein is counting on to lead his team. “Franco, Karl Ehlers and Brian Lucking are some of the best leaders that I have ever had,” Fischbein said. “This is a motivated group.” Part of that motivation may be exorcising last winter’s demons. “Last year we had a disappointing regular season,” Fischbein said. “We are going to try to establish ourselves as one of the top teams in section 9.” In order to do that, the Crusaders need to stick to their goals. “All starters should have a goal of minimum placing in the section 9 tournament,” Fischbein said. “Even Jamie, who took second in the state last year will try to do 1 better this year.” Russ Crespolini is the online editor for Straus Newspapers and can be reached at 845-782-4000 ext. 352 or at webmaster@strausnews.com.