At the beginning of the 2018-19 season, RCGC freshman wrestler Dylan Fischer experienced the growing pains of transitioning from high school to collegiate athletics.

But Dylan, a 2017 West Deptford High graduate and a two-time district champion, shook off the cob webs and began experiencing success as a Roadrunner early and often. "It had been awhile since I wrestled, so it took me some time to shake off the rust," said Fischer, who collected 120 career wins at West Deptford. "I beat a couple of good kids early and it boosted my confidence."

Fischer quickly notched a trail of success, culminating last weekend when he captured the Eastern District II championship at 165 pounds for RCGC, earning Most Valuable Wrestler honors in the process.

Now, Fischer, along with five other Roadrunner wrestlers, will soon be on their way to the NJCAA Nationals in Council Bluffs, Iowa, March 1-2.

The RCGC wrestling team enjoyed a banner day at the Eastern District at Lackawanna College with Fischer winning at 165 pounds and teammate Jared Carr winning the 149-pound title. The Roadrunners, under coach Dan Antonelli, also grabbed a second place team finish behind champion Lackawanna.

Fischer won by pin in his title match over Thaddeus Steven's Noah Tarr. Fischer had lost to Tarr, who was nationally ranked in his weight class, in a dual meet match just two weeks prior to Districts.

"The first time I wrestled him I gave him too much respect -- I made a few dumb mistakes and I could have won," said Fischer. "Coach and I made a few adjustments and we were more prepared this time."

Earlier in the season Fischer found himself in a groove, highlighted by a 4-0 finish in the Long Isdland Open at Nassau Community College to win the 165-pound title. The West Deptford High graduate prevailed over Cortland St. University's Charlie Spada in the final.

Now Dylan heads into the Junior College Nationals in Iowa hoping to continue his extraordinary season.

"The competition will be much tougher, so I'll focus on one match at a time," Fischer said. "I'll need to be much better for nationals. My style is perfect for these matches -- just stay cool, calm and collected at all times."

Ironically, Fischer's younger brother, West Deptford senior Corey Fischer, won his third straight District title last Sarurday on the same day Dylan won his collegiate title. The younger Fischer also helped the Eagles win a South Jersey sectional team championship in early February.

Now, Dylan hopes he will be reunited with his brother next season at RCGC.

"I'm hoping Corey will be here next -- it would be pretty cool to be back on the same team together," said Dylan.