By Derek Staples
Ty Spencer is a sophomore wide receiver for the Fitchburg Falcons football team. He transferred from Merrimack College in North Andover, MA and has bolstered the Falcons’ offense since his arrival. He is part of a young, promising group of players that have unlimited potential. The Falcons fell to what they hope was rock bottom last year (their 2012 record was 2-8), but they hope to make a comeback this season.
The Point: As a starting WR, were you satisfied with the offensive production from the team?
Spencer: Yeah, in some games .. obviously some games were rough. Some games we got shut out; when we were good, we were really good. Overall we gained good experience.
The Point: What aspect of the team needs to improve the most for next year?
Spencer: We need to become more united. Offense and defense felt like different teams. The kick returners stuck together and didn’t really gel with the rest of the team.
The Point: You guys have a pretty young team. Do you think the team is built for the future?
Spencer: Definitely, (Head Coach Patrick Haverty) has been bringing in a lot of guys. A lot of the guys are young and have at least two years left. There’s only about six seniors, so we’re definitely built for the future.
The Point: Steph’fon Teague had an excellent year, do you think there is still room for improvement with him?
Spencer: Definitely, his statistics can go up with a more unified offense. The (offensive) line needs to step up, we’ve just been inconsistent overall on offense.
The Point: The Falcons have started several different quarterbacks over the last couple years, who do you think will step up and lock down the position next year?
Spencer: It’s a toss- up between Christian (Lopez) and Brian (McDonald); it’s all in how they prepare for next season. They both have a legitimate shot at winning the starting position.
The Point: You’ve played Division 2 football at Merrimack, and here you are playing for Fitchburg. What do you think is the biggest difference is between playing Division 2 and Division 3?
Spencer: The biggest difference is the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) isn’t as heavily involved. We don’t get drug tested here, but at Merrimack we got drug tested twice during the season and once in the off- season.
The Point: Does the coaching staff utilize the players in the best way possible?
Spencer: Yeah definitely. (The coaches) tell us in the beginning of the year if you are not number 1 at a certain position, they will move you to the right position to get the most playing time. They definitely choose the right guys for the job.
The Point: What do you think of the preparation and training regimens the football players have to follow?
Spencer: They can be tough, but they are necessary. It’s not high school football where anyone can just join the team. Guys are bigger and tougher and stronger and you have to keep up with them.
The Point: How many wins do you think the Falcons will get next year?
Spencer: More than (the two games we won) this year. We’re looking to explode next year, the league’s changing. A couple teams are leaving, a couple teams are coming in. We’re going to take it one game at a time and we will compete.
The Point: Do you plan to come back and play for the Falcons next year?
Spencer: I plan on being here for the long run, it’s a great school. I will go here to go here till I graduate, I love the coach, love the team.