Steve Fittery goes 7 Minutes with TOM

At the start of the season, if I would have said that Steve Fittery has a chance to be an All-American this year, or better yet a National Champion, I would have been considered a bit crazy. So far this season the American University Junior would have proven many wrong. Although the conference tournament did not go his way, he was coming off a injury that had kept him sidelined for the last part of the season. The two weeks between conference and nationals may be just what the Doctor ordered.

Steve agreed to take a break from training and go 7 minutes with TOM.

TOM: You have had a great season thus far, the Conference Tournament may not have unfolded like you had hope, but how are you feeling going into Nationals?

SF: I am excited! Anytime I get the chance to wrestle, I always try my best to give 100% and have fun. Hopefully, things won’t be any different at nationals.

TOM: Many people may have been surprised by your level of success this year, are you?

SF: Honestly, I am also surprised at how things have been turning out this year. God’s really been blessing me in wrestling this season. I’m a Christian so I’ve always been a believer that “With God all things are possible” –Matthew 19:26

TOM: What has the transition from DII to DI been like for you?

SF: It’s been a lot of fun. A lot of things have changed. American Wrestling has guys who work hard and have great attitudes. We also have 2 great coaches who are great technicians and caring people and train you to become a national champion. I also have always loved wrestling tough competition, and I finally got the opportunity to do that this year.

TOM: In relation to the last question, what have been the biggest adjustments you have had to make?

SF: My eating and sleeping habits have been a lot better since coming here. If I’m not eating or sleeping right, I get pummeled at practice and that’s not so fun.

TOM: What went into your decision to attend American?

SF: I’ve always been a country boy. I grew up on a farm in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. I never, ever thought I’d end up in Washington, DC. Some friends of the family, Scott and Arely Faucett, encouraged me to go visit American. When I sat down with Mark Cody and heard his coaching philosophy about no drinking or drugs, training all year around, and getting good grades, I was pretty much sold. Also, meeting the guys on the team and hearing 4+ guys are solid Christians definitely helped convince me that AU was a great fit for me.

TOM: How much will the two week break help you going into Nationals, considering you had missed some time at the end of the season?

SF: I hope it will help a lot, but we shall see. My goal is still the same as it has been all year, “stay prayed up, give everything I’ve got for 7 minutes, and give Jesus the Glory.” And if that turns into me being a national champion, that’s great. If not, that’s okay too.

TOM: Tell us something that most fans would not know about you, but should?

SF: I like to play to guitar. Usually twice a week, a group of Christians friends and I have praise and worship parties, where a bunch of us play instruments and sing to Jesus. I also wrote four of my own praise and worship songs!

By TOM Staff