Quarterback looking to help Battle Ground improve, earn respect in a very tough 4A GSHL
Kameron Spencer said he was late for his first football workout this summer in front of the new head coach for the Battle Ground Tigers.
No, he wasn’t really late. At least not by Mark Oliverio’s standards.
After all, Spencer had already told the new coach when he would be arriving, and why. It’s not like Spencer was taking it easy.
On the contrary, Spencer was working out for two teams that day. He had a basketball commitment first, then he hustled to the football practice field.
That is exactly what the new coach wants from his athletes. Oliverio does not just want to succeed as the football coach at Battle Ground. He wants football to lead the way for all sports at Battle Ground. Multi-sport athletes are welcome at Battle Ground.
So there was Spencer, showing up “late” but making a positive impact.
“My first impression of him was great,” Oliverio said. “He is one of those kids who is a leader on and off the field. He just handles himself like a quarterback, simply stated.”
Spencer appreciates the new coach’s attitude, as well.
“We started throwing it around, and he said, ‘You’re the guy,’” Spencer said. “After a couple of practices, I got his trust, he got my trust. I love being coached by him.”
“He’s just a very even-keeled, mature-beyond-his-years player who has proved he can handle the spotlight,” Oliverio said.
Spencer, now a junior for the Tigers, took over the starting spot at quarterback in Week 2 of the abbreviated spring season.
“At first, it was scary,” Spencer said. “I had the butterflies. After a couple of snaps, they went away and it was just fun to be out there. It was fun to compete and work hard every day.”
Now, he is ready to take the next step in his journey. Spencer always loved throwing the football, even before he started playing in the fifth grade. By the sixth grade, he was training with quarterback guru John Charles. Spencer is a student of the game.
There are no over-the-top predictions coming from Spencer as he heads into the 2021 season. No promises of a playoff year or anything like that.
“I expect to compete every game, have fun, and try my hardest to win every game,” he said.
Still, he acknowledged that he and his teammates have chips on their shoulders. They know they are considered the fourth team in a four-team league. The 4A Greater St. Helens League is dominated by Camas, Skyview, and Union. Spencer said he will do everything he can to help the Tigers earn respectability in his final two years with the team. He knows he, his teammates, and the new coach can work together to make something special.
Spencer also wants to experience something special on Friday nights. He was grateful for playing in the spring, but fans were limited.
“Our fans are amazing. My team is amazing. And the coaching staff is amazing,” Spencer said. “Playing for them is awesome.”
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