I think most look at me as one of this worlds biggest Hawkeye haters which is probably pretty accurate….So naturally, anything I say about Spencer is looked upon as just sour grapes. Being 100 percent honest here though, I can’t shake this feeling that Spencer is just worn out from the “grind” all these years.
I started feeling this way a couple years back when Spencer didn’t seem himself out on the mat. I asked a question earlier in this thread if it was ever confirmed that Spencer had mono that year? I asked that for a reason. When the fans over on HR were speculating and trying to make excuses that he in fact had mono…I felt there was something else going on and it had more to do with his his head and his heart…even if he did have mono. There was also an interview with Tom Brands at that time that struck me as being odd when he was discussing Spencer. Man I wish I could find that interview. Brands almost seemed irritated and my initial reaction to it was Spencer just wants to go back home, hide from the wrestling world and just be a regular guy. Anyway, He’s won 2 national championships since then but my opinion hasn’t changed one bit. Spencer is so good that even if his heart wasn’t in it anymore he could still dominate college wrestling.
Spencer has been wrestling since he was a little boy, much of that time he’s had the entire wrestling world focused on him as the next great thing. The pressures he must have been under and is still under. Add to it the the immense physical toll his body has taken. I genuinely feel bad for him to be honest. Setting aside any opinions I have about his desire to wrestle, just all the injuries alone is enough to break your heart.
JS will say this is all wishful thinking on my part so I’ll just say it right now…. He’s full of shit. I love PSU wrestling and love to hate me some Hawkeyes but there ain’t no damn way I’d wish any of that on any kid. Especially one that is giving his heart and soul to this sport. And trust me, I’ve been around my fair share of a kid just searching for a way to be happy in this world… you feel and pray for kids like that.
I hope I’m wrong, My God above I really hope I’m wrong on this but I think Spencer is looking forward to his college wrestling career to end. I think in his mind his last big goal is to be Iowa’s first 4 timer and to step away on his terms. Not the coaches… not his teammates…not his parents and certainly not the fans. And if he does, I hope he has one helluva happy and enriching life because he sure as hell earned it.
