Tunkhannock’s Ben Spencer swims his way to a victory in the 200 IM against Wallenpaupack on Thursday. STAFF PHOTO/KEVIN WOODRUFF

BY KEVIN WOODRUFF

Wyoming County Press Examiner

It was a big night for Ben Spencer at Tunkhannock Area’s pool on Thursday.

That’s because Spencer topped 1,000 career points as a Tiger swimmer in a 118-48 victory over Wallenpaupack.

Spencer, 17, of Tunkhannock, took first place in the 200 IM, second place in the 100 breast and helped 200 medley relay and 200 free relay teams to a pair of first place finishes to amass 26 points on the night.

As of the end of Thursday night’s meet, Spencer had amassed 1,001 points.

“I knew I was getting close to 1,000,” Spencer said on Friday. “It was a great feeling.”

Having been swimming at Tunkhannock since he was seven years old, Spencer said all the hard work paid off.

“It was definitely worth all the hard work I’ve put in over the years,” Spencer said. “It’s a great accomplishment for me and for our team.”

Spencer attributed much of his success to having a great group of teammates.

Tunkhannock Area swim coach Tim Mislevy, left, presented senior Ben Spencer with a certificate after he amassed his 1,000th career point on Thursday night. STAFF PHOTO/ROBERT BAKER

“We’re a really close group,” Spencer said. “And we come together for each meet and support each other.”

And for the first time, Spencer has a sibling on his team, as his younger brother Jake is now competing for varsity as a freshman.

“It’s been different having him on the team,” Spencer said. “But I’ve been enjoying it. It’s nice to get to mentor your younger brother.”

Spencer said he enjoys swimming in the relay events with his teammates most, but is looking forward to again competing for a district championship.

Spencer, who is eyeing his third consecutive trip to states, said he is focusing on the 200 IM and the 100 backstroke this season as his main events.

‘I hope to drop a lot of time each both of those events before districts,” Spencer said. “I am aiming to drop down to the district record time in each.”

In order to do that, Spencer is spending six days per week in the pool training, attending all of the optional practices at Tunkhannock.

As for his team, the Tigers are currently 3-0 on the year competing in the Wyoming Valley Conference Northern Division.

Spencer said he hopes the Tigers can finish at the top of their division, and have a good showing at districts.

He believes that the Tigers will have a slight advantage this year, as they dropped down a division to Class AA for the first time in a few years.

Spencer said he will continue to work hard throughout the rest of the season. He is currently looking forward to the Wyoming Valley West Invitational and Lackawanna County Swimming Championships.

Spencer said he is looking to continue his swimming career next year at Clarion University.