Mark Fischer returns as Glacier wrestling coach
Daily Inter Lake | Daily Inter-Lake | UPDATED 7 months, 2 weeks AGO
Glacier High’s new wrestling coach looks a lot like the old coach.
Mark Fischer, the first wrestling coach in Glacier history who guided the Wolfpack to the 2012 State AA championship, is returning to the helm in 2025-26. He replaces Ross Dankers, who resigned in February after 12 seasons.
“First off, I’m super grateful for this opportunity to come back to GHS wrestling,” Fischer said in a release from the high school. “I’m also very thankful to Ross Dankers for building a solid foundation for the program. I look forward to meeting the wrestlers and parents to begin this new journey. Finally, I would like to say thank you to the GHS administration for trusting me with this task.”
Fischer was Glacier’s coach when the doors opened to the high school in 2007; by 2011 the Wolfpack were a power, finishing second at the State AA meet. The next year, behind state champion Shane St. Onge, they won their lone state wrestling title.
He stepped down after the 2012-13 season, citing family priorities.
“The Wolfpack are excited to have Mark back leading the wrestling program after more than a decade away,” Glacier athletic director Mark Dennehy said. “ Mark brings a sincere focus, incredible work ethic, and energy to the position.
“Mark is well known and well respected throughout the wrestling community and knows the importance of building student-athletes beyond the mat. We can’t wait for Mark to get started.”
Before coming to Glacier, Fischer taught and coached in Sequim, Washington; Oakes, North Dakota; and at Billings Central. He had been an assistant coach at Flathead for one season before taking over the Wolfpack program in 2007.
After his departure he was assistant principal at Flathead High from 2017-21; since then he’s been self-employed in construction, and plans to continue to do so while coaching the Pack.