RSS | 
Twitter
| 
Be a fan!
Avella's Spencer did not let up
jtuscano@observer-reporter.com
The wrestling career of Mitch Spencer began like so many others, prompting from a coach. It didn't matter that he was only 5, because recruiting happens early in the sport.
Spencer fondly remembers those early days, when wrestling was done simply for the fun of it, as an outlet for so much pent-up energy.
Rate This Story:
1 the lowest - 5 the highest
Current rating:
Expectations were higher, the pressure to do well increased, and that drained some of the fun. But Spencer lived up to those expectations, handling the pressure and helping the Eagles to a strong individual postseason.
Despite a tough draw in the second round of the PIAA Class AA Championships, Spencer battled his way to a fourth-place finish at 135 pounds and was one of two Avella wrestlers to medal in the tournament.
He won a section and WPIAL championship, and took third in the Southwest Region Tournament to cap a career that produced a 139-28 record.
For his efforts this season, Spencer is the Outstanding Wrestler on the Observer-Reporter's All-District Wrestling Team.
The All-District team is made up of 28 wrestlers separated in two teams. As usual, the selections for the All-District teams were based on the accomplishments of a wrestler within his weight class.
"I really thought wrestling would be fun and it was for the first 10 years or so," said Spencer. "You tend to get a little burned out. You get to wrestle with your friends and you get to meet a lot of new people. Some of them stayed. Some didn't."
In the early days, Spencer wrestled in front of parents and fans at small gymnasiums. In his final scholastic bout, Spencer competed in front of more than 8,000 at the Giant Center in Hershey.
"I thought I would just be a regular wrestler," Spencer said. "I did it because I liked it."
Spencer had to overcome some obstacles in his career. Wrestling at a small school means there are few workout partners in the room.
Wear and tear took a toll, especially on his shoulders, both of which were dislocated in practice this year. Spencer was pinned in the Pittsburgh Wrestling Classic after his right shoulder popped out during the match.
"I always figured that if I did my best, I would be happy," Spencer said. "Sometimes, it's not about winning. It's about doing your best."
Nothing tested Spencer's resolve more than when he drew Jordan Moss of Sharon in the second round of the state tournament. Moss entered the tournament with a 33-1 record and as a defending state champion. Spencer lost a hard-fought, 4-1 decision.
Spencer fell into the consolations, where he needed one win to medal. He got three, the last a pin of Burrell's Travis McKillop that put him in the battle for third place.
Incredibly, Moss was waiting for him. Moss lost a 3-1 decision in the semifinals to eventual state champion Colin Shober of Schuylkill Valley. In another hard-fought match, Moss came away with a 3-1 decision for third place.
"He was a real tough wrestler," said Spencer. "The match after I first loss was tough. I played the mental game and I got (my motivation) right back."
That doesn't surprise his coach or teammates, who have seen the resiliency of Spencer.
mITCH : 3/22/2009
Mitch wil go down as a top wrestler in this decade. It was a joy to watch him these last four years. Most nights his match was worth the price of admission. THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES!
mitch spencer : 3/22/2009
great job !!!!!!!!!!! all of washington/greene county are proud of you. it's great to hear a local guy do so well at something he loves. Tami from tylerdale family medicine
Spencer : 3/23/2009
Good luck in your future endeavors, you have proven to be a stand up person
avella wrestlng : 3/23/2009
congrat. to you mitch as you will go down as one of the best wrestlers avella high has ever had ,because avella has has many such as the cindrich,s gordons,rush's,bogo's,breniaks,safaras,brownlees,and many others such as cilia,esposto,sella,danni,marcott,buer,it just goes on and on ,so your in good company again congrat.
Spencer : 3/25/2009
As a wrestling fan form the area I would like to say that we have enjoyed watching you thru out your HS Career. Your abilities are outstanding and your friendliness exceeds all others. Best of all things for you in your future.
