Elmira High School senior Spencer Stone is a prominent figure throughout Falcon athletics. Both on the field and off, no matter what season it is, he is always involved.
In the fall, he is an integral part of the football program, filming every game for the team. However, his primary role is during basketball season, when he serves as the team manager for the boys team, a position he has held for two consecutive years.
To wrap up the school year, Stone participates as an athlete in multiple track and field events, including discus, javelin and shotput.
Few EHS students contribute to the school’s athletic department in such diverse ways.
Stone grew up immersed in basketball culture his whole life. His father, Jason, is an experienced basketball player and beloved coach in the community who has worked with youth at all levels, including Elmira’s JV2 boys team. Stone started playing in second grade and continued every season through middle school.
Unsure about playing in high school, Stone skipped his ninth-grade season, but returned sophomore year. Basketball is in his blood and it does not come as a surprise that he wanted to stay involved beyond his athletic career.
After making the difficult choice to stop playing basketball after his sophomore year, Stone was given the opportunity by head coach Trevor Daniels to stay with the team as a manager.
“I just really like being a part of the team, and personally, I was just kind of done with playing basketball super competitively,” the senior told Falcon News. “Being team manager gave me a way to somewhat be part of the team environment.”
Having friends on the team and loving basketball made accepting the position an easy choice for Stone.
“Just being there and helping out was good,” Stone said.
The team relies on the help of Stone every day. As the team manager, Stone said he has many responsibilities, including running the clock at practice, washing jerseys, and filming all the games.
The coaches and players on the basketball team are all very grateful to have Stone’s dependable and enthusiastic support.
“Everyone on the team appreciates Spencer for doing all of the behind the scenes work of the team,” senior athlete Eben Dickinson shared.
Stone has been in journalism for three years, gaining extensive experience in interviewing and writing stories specifically on sports for Falcon News.
“Spencer is a wonderful student and a quick learner who quickly became a go-to reporter for Falcon News, especially for sports coverage,” journalism teacher and Falcon News advisor Michelle Nelson said. “He also has stepped up as a leader, managing our website and helping those who are new to the class. I appreciate his strong work ethic and his willingness to do whatever is needed.”
It is easy to miss all the off the field and court work that it takes for sports teams to be successful. The students and parents cheer on players and the staff praises coaches, never knowing how much Elmira athletics depends on a foundation set in Stone.
