Shipley’s Matthew Spencer is Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week

The Shipley School junior recently finished sixth in the Pennsylvania Independent School Athletic Association Indoor Track & Field Championships in both the 55-meter run (7.07) and the 200-meter run (25.25). In his first race for the Gators earlier this winter, running without starting blocks or track spikes, Spencer posted state-ranked (top 20) times of 7.44 in the 55-meter dash and 25.14 in the 200-meter run. Shipley track coach Antonio Davis said, “Matthew truly has a bright future in track and field.”

Q: You mentioned that your most memorable experience in Shipley winter track to date was your first meet, in which you posted a state-ranked time in the 55-meter run despite running without starting blocks or track spikes. What was the key to your performance that day?

 

A: I was just thinking about getting to the finish line as fast as possible. I was trying to make sure my form was as close to perfect as it could be.

 

Q: This is your first year running winter track. What attracted you to the Shipley indoor track program?

 

A: I decided to run because I knew the head coach [Antonio Davis] beforehand, he is a good family friend. I have also always thought about doing track, and this year I decided to finally commit to it.

 

Q: What was the key to your performance in the 200-meter run at the PAISAA championships?

 

A: I just tried to run as hard as I could, and tried to ignore any fatigue I felt towards the end of the race.

 

 

Q: Tell us a little about your running shoes, the type of shoe you favor and why.

 

A: I’m not too picky, but I’ve had the best results with Nike, Under Armour, and Brooks.

 

Q: What aspect of your running are you working on most recently?

 

A: I’m trying to improve my form and start, if I can do better on those two aspects I think I can really start to improve 

 

Q: Tell us a little about your pre-race preparation on the day of a race.

 

A: On race day I like to wake up early, around 5 a.m., stretch, eat, brush my teeth, then get dressed and relax until I have to leave. 

 

Q: What is your favorite academic course at Shipley?

 

A: I’d say my favorite course is history, I love the discussions we have in class. It’s very challenging, and our teacher is great with letting us be independent thinkers yet he is there for us when needed.

 

Q: What do you think you would like to major in at college? Is there a particular career field that interests you at the present time?

 

A: I am pretty certain I want to major in marketing. I think a marketing major has many interesting career options, such as marketing manager.  

 

Fun facts – Matthew Spencer

Favorite TV show: Atlanta.

Favorite movie: Chinatown.

Favorite athlete: Barry Sanders.

Favorite pre-race pump-up song: B.O.B. – Outkast.

Favorite team: Philadelphia 76ers. 

Favorite pre-race meal: Airheads.

Person I most admire, and why: “I admire my mother, Andrea Williams, most. She came from a very tough upbringing, yet still managed to still be an amazing person. Being single and black has still left her with many challenges, but she is resilient and determined and still manages to do amazing things.

Family members: parents Brian and Andrea, brother Richard.

 

(To be selected as Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by his coach.)