Strong Bounce Spencer Piston Swings Back To Top Spot On Lc’s Tennis Squad After Making Most Of A Break

Most people lack time, but Spencer Piston is a study in making the most of it.

When a broken collarbone and other health-related matters kept him off the tennis court last season, the Lewis and Clark student gave up his number one spot on LC’s tennis team to concentrate on other interests.

Like playing the piano, singing, volunteering and playing defense for the Spokane Breakers, a 19-and-under soccer team. Could he do much more?

“I volunteered tutoring kids in English and during the ice storm I shoveled elderly citizens’ homes and did food delivery,” he said. Piston, a senior, also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and initiated a project to have public chess boards available downtown. Piston hopes to increase the spirit of chess playing, one of his many interests.

He’s just now getting back into the swing of things, tennis-wise. Piston has returned to the Tigers team as its number one singles player this season and is very happy to be back.

“I’m really proud of our Lewis and Clark program” he said. “If we win or lose, we are working hard together and have integrity because of coach (Jeff) Norton,” he said.

Piston greatly respects Norton and how he’s emphasizes character and team mentality.

“Coach Norton has made tennis more rewarding for me,” he said.

Spencer’s respect for his coach is mutual.

“He’s a very humble young man and takes advice very well,” said Norton. “I don’t have to coach him very much. He knows for the most part what he’s doing and what he needs to improve on.”

One of Piston’s strengths is his knowledge of the game and his ability to adjust on the court, Norton said.

Piston has also received good advice from his parents, Rob and Jane Piston, such as sticking to commitments he’s made.

“They’ve been very helpful and supportive. I really appreciate that,” he said.

Improvement on the court took time for Piston this year and, according to Norton, he’s getting back into his groove. Piston doesn’t quite agree.

“My game’s not back yet,” he said. Funny, but his opponents would have a hard time convincing themselves of that. Piston has not lost a match since the tennis season began.

“Mentally I’m very strong, but physically I’m still very weak,” he said. Piston, who is suffering through the last stages of mononucleosis, doesn’t believe all the shots in his arsenal are developed yet.

Education has been a big part of Piston’s life, academically and socially. Piston is vice president of LC’s chapter of National Honor Society, is enrolled in an advanced-placement English class, represented his school as the top English student for the Spokane Scholars contest, and is a winner of a National Merit scholarship, which will help him financially with college.

“School is a lot of fun, and I’ve had a lot of inspirational teachers,” he said. “I’m looking forward to college.”

Piston has been approached by Grinnell College in Iowa, a liberal arts college with a strong music program and a tennis team. A double major in music and English is a possibility for Piston, but he won’t rule out economics or philosophy, or becoming a college professor.

The University of Washington has also drawn his attention.

One thing is for certain: Spencer Piston certainly likes to have his choices.