It's safe to say, Sebastian Spencer was planning on big things in 2020.
His junior season, in 2019, the Weir (WV) High School athlete had the best state title performance of his career, winning the 100m, 200m, 4x100 and 4x200, his effort in the 100m setting a new state record -- and he already had tied the state record in the 200m in 2018 -- and his two comeback anchor performances absolutely dazzling the crowd.
Importantly that season, he also finally broke through the 11-second threshold for 100 meters, running consistently at 10.5 and 10.6 before his first West Virginia state championship at the distance. He finished the year US No. 46 in the event, with a wind-legal best of 10.52.
Paired with his consistency in the 200m -- he had won two straight state titles in identical times of 21.61 seconds -- Spencer likely would have springboarded outside the state and against some of the nation's more talented foes.
But that never came -- obviously -- with the cancellation of the spring season.
Still, programs took notice, and Spencer made a tough decision, opting against pursuing football at the collegiate level, where he had garned seven scholarship honors and was ranked as a three-star recruit, in favor of a track career. In April, he signed with the University of North Carolina.
Looking back, it's easy to see what Spencer can bring to the table.
His miraculous come-from-behind performance in the 4x100 was absolutely jaw-dropping (above).
While Weir was in the lead on the third exchange, a botched hand-off pushed the team nearly to last.
How quickly things change.
...
A 30 meter deficit turned into 5 within seconds.
Spencer ultimately caught his competition, helping Weird to another title in 43.89 seconds.
"HOLY COW, SEBASTIAN SPENCER," the announcer said, in a somewhat gleeful shock. "MY GOODNESS."
- - -
200m
In the 200m, his featured distance, he played it cool on the curve before taking off with 120 meters, leaving what was an even race up until that point a forgeone conclusion.
He went on to post an identical time to his state championship performance in 2018, posting a winning time of 21.61 seconds.
2019 WVHSAA 200m Final Results
Boys 200 Meter Dash AA
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State Meet: @ 21.61 1985 Eric Knapper, Dunbar
State Meet: @ 21.61 5/19/2018 Sebastian Spencer, Weir
Name Year School Finals Points
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Finals
1 Spencer, Sebastian JR Weir 21.61@ 10
2 Faulkiner, Tanner SR Philip Barbour 22.13 8
3 Dameron, Quincy SR Weir 22.34 6
4 Coon, Jordan SR Roane Co. 22.39 4
5 Neal, Jacob SR Shady Spring 23.01 2
6 Valentine, Isaiah SO Shady Spring 23.13 1
7 Kimbleton, Mason JR Elkins 23.38 He was out of the blocks first, separated early, and then was on his own from 50 meters on.
Spencer scored a winning time of 10.60 seconds, breaking a record of 10.70 that was set by his brother, Donovan, in 2017.
2019 WVHSAA 100m Final Results
Boys 100 Meter Dash AA
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State Meet: @ 10.70 5/20/2017 Donavan Spencer, Weir
Name Year School Finals Points
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Finals
1 Spencer, Sebastian JR Weir 10.60@ 10
2 Faulkiner, Tanner SR Philip Barbour 11.01 8
3 Coon, Jordan SR Roane Co. 11.20 6
4 Dameron, Quincy SR Weir 11.40 4
5 Davis, Seth SR Liberty (H) 11.51 2
6 Johnson, Isaiah SO Bluefield 11.53 1
7 Bowens, Ethan SO Wayne 11.57
8 Lamb, Zachary SR Chapmanville 11.61
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