Mel Fischer developed an interest in soccer when his children took up the sport.

Fischer and his wife traveled with their kids in the summer time to club soccer tournaments. The Fischers even played the sport for a few years in an adult league so they could learn more about it.

Fischer eventually got into coaching and officiating. He has coached boys and girls in the Bismarck Public Schools for the past 22 years. He's now in charge of soccer operations at Bismarck State.

Fischer's involvement has led to a prestigious honor. He was named the national boys soccer coach of the year this past weekend at the National High School Athletic Coaches Association convention in Minneapolis.

"It's a pretty humbling experience," Fischer said. "To be named a finalist, that is an achievement itself compared to receiving the award. I was shocked and surprised."

Fischer was the Bismarck High boys head coach from 2003 to '08 and the Bismarck girls head coach from 1998 to 2008.

He also coached soccer at Wachter Middle School from 1995 to 2000 while serving as an assistant at BHS.

Fischer has been an active and long-time leader in Bismarck's soccer community. He is a registered official and has served three terms on the North Dakota High School Activities Association advisory board. He is currently serving his second term on the National High School Coaches Association as the sports chair for boys' soccer.

Fischer doesn't see himself as an icon in Bismarck's soccer community.

"The whole purpose for participating is to provide kids with a chance to play in a positive environment," Fischer said. "Winning is second for me. Kids need an opportunity to learn from others. There's an art in knowing how to lose. Those are life's lessons, and that's how I approach the game. I've never thought of myself throughout the process."

Fischer accumulated a 162-72-44 coaching record at Bismarck.

He coached the 2000 and 2005 girls to state titles.

He was the first to point out that he didn't receive his special honor without the help of others, especially the athletes.

"Iwas taken off guard when they announced my name,"Fischer said. "Soccer is so new to North Dakota, compared to other states, and they play soccer year round."

Fischer is a graduate of NDSU and has worked for the City of Bismarck for the past 29 years.