Milan High School's Hank Fisher has eyes on him at almost every meet. Those competing against him wait patiently just to see how far he throws next and so far this season, he's almost always shown them exactly what they wanted to see. While his team primarily competes in small weekday meets with schools local to his, he's still one of the best discus throwers in Tennessee.
Fisher was first introduced to throwing his sophomore year when his new head football coach suggested he try out track to stay in shape.
"I'm a bigger dude. Running just wasn't really my thing. I asked my head track coach if he knew anything about discus or throwing shot put."
He started out with a lighter girl's discus and went from there. He claims he could "throw it pretty far," which is no shock. At the 2021 state meet, Fisher placed 13th overall with minimal experience in his first year of throwing.
In the 2022 season, Hank was ranked #2 in his classification. He consistently placed in the top 3 at all his meets, throwing around 122-126 feet throughout the season. Then region came and things started to click. He finally broke through the 130 barrier, skipping it entirely and throwing 142-2 in the qualifying meet just a week or so before state. That was nearly 32 feet farther than the second-place finisher. Going into states, not only did his chances at a runner-up or state champion finish seem likely, but his odds at a new personal record also looked favorable. His throw at his sectional meet was nearly 20 feet farther than any throw from his season. He was peaking at just the right time but the stage and the conditions had other plans.
"It's been the same story the past two years. I've gotten to go to state, and I get there, and the nerves start."
On top of the nerves, a swirling gusty wind in Murfreesboro had almost all throwers across the three day competition having to make midflight adjustments. Fisher threw just 125 feet and 3 inches and ended his season with a 3rd place finish, one inch shy of being runner-up.
He wasn't overly disappointed, though. Hank took this as a learning experience. "There's a lot of good aspects about it. I know I could have done better if I would have worked harder. All I could think was I have to work harder this offseason." And he's done just that with a singular focus since 2022 season marked the end of his high school shot put career. While most throwers of his caliber will be ranked in both disciplines, due to wrist problems, so he had stayed away from shot this year. He explained that he misses it a little by saying, "I wish I would have thrown shot this year, but if I get the opportunity to throw in college, I will absolutely throw shot."
In 2023, he has yet to lose in a men's discus event, winning every time by at least 15 feet. Fisher set a new personal record at USJ on April 18th, throwing 152-4. Through eight competitions so far this year, he has yet to throw under 130 feet and has thrown over 140 four times including his PR.
When I interviewed Hank, I was interested in what he had changed for this season. After two years of solid-state placements at 13th and 3rd, respectively, coming into this season ranked #1 is an added pressure. I asked him about his status as a top thrower and the other ranked throwers.
"I haven't really checked... I don't really like to look at those things. I try to keep my eyes on the prize. It's all about getting to the state championship."
Boys Division I Class A Discus Rankings
Nevertheless, he's currently 13 feet clear of the next closest competitor. He agrees that while the pressure can sometimes be a lot, but he also acknowledges how it has benefited him. "You only get three throws. At times, you have to be able to trust yourself and trust the work you're putting in every single day to be able to throw. It can be nerve-racking at times, but at the same time, that really helps me push through and be able to think this is what I have to do to be the best." Fisher believes that this pressure makes him better and sees it as a way to push the throwers around him.
"I think from a nerves standpoint, it drives me to do better. But I also like to see the competition because if I can make somebody else better by doing my best, then I've accomplished a lot more than just winning."
His ranking should speak for what his expectations are. Yes, first place is in his mind, but he wants to ensure that this year is not a repeat of last year.
"I don't want to jinx anything. Right now, I want to take it one day at a time. Just keep practicing, just do everything I can to put myself in the position to win."
Soon, we will see if Hank Fisher can finally take home a championship.
