Fenwick High School senior Timothy Fischer has a strong background in water polo. Growing up in Chicago, he took part in several park programs and played for the Chicago Park District club.
“This offered me the opportunity to grow in a diverse community where I was able to learn how to work with all different people, which is an invaluable skill to have in the pool and life in general,” he said.
Fischer has put that experience to good use with the Friars, helping them win three consecutive Metro Catholic Aquatic Conference championships. Moreover, he has garnered All-MCAC, All-Sectional, All-State, and All-American honors.
Fischer credits his father, Eric, and his late grandfather, Art (both of whom are in the Illinois Water Polo Hall of Fame) for helping him craft his success.
“Throughout my entire life, my family has helped mentor and advise me,” he said. “This ranges from tips after games in areas where I need improvement to practicing in the pool.”
Here’s what else Fischer, one of this week’s Wednesday Journal featured student-athletes, had to say:
On this season: “It’s been successful so far. We have only lost to some of the top teams in Illinois, most of which we were down key players. I think we have what it takes to place well in the state this year.”
On how the team has adjusted to new head coach Beto Garcia: “Although the team had grown accustomed to the prior coaching style, Coach Garcia has done a good job of earning everyone’s trust and exposing us to a different style of game play.”
Lessons learned at Fenwick: “The importance of dedication, teamwork, and the value of time. Through trust in the team and my dedication, I have achieved things I never thought possible as a wide-eyed freshman. Now that it’s almost over, I understand how precious the time I had in this school was and am glad I was able to accomplish something with it.”
Favorite Fenwick water polo memory: “Playing in the De Smet Invite (St. Louis) my junior year. As our only travel tournament of the year, it gave the varsity a chance to bond and perfect our game together. We fared well as we placed third.”
College plans: “Although I haven’t decided yet, I fully intend to play water polo at the collegiate level. I am between two schools and will be making my decision very shortly.”
Favorite food: “The five-piece spicy tender combo from the Popeye’s next to Fenwick.”
Favorite music: “Mariachi.”
Famous person he’d like to meet: “Pope John Paul II. I took his name upon my confirmation and really look up to him.”
Biggest issue facing teens: “The attribution of our time and energy into pointless things rather than friends, family, or our education. So many people of my age are addicted to the fast-paced media on their phones and other devices. Most of it has no real value other than releasing dopamine into people’s heads. I believe the rise in mental health problems in young adults is a result of this.”
Three words to describe himself: “Inquisitive, dedicated, and hungry.”
