Perhaps the easiest way to realize the contributions of Coach John Spencer to New York State wrestling would be by undertaking an assessment of the quality of the high school programs throughout Section V, paying particular attention to the Rochester area. His fingerprints are all over them. John Spencer developed his love for wrestling as a competitor at Ithaca College during the late 1940s. It was there that he also came to appreciate the standards of coaching excellence that he found embodied in the skills of Clyde Cole and Bill Layton. He took their lessons to heart and, with humor, discipline and innate teaching talent, set about developing fine young wrestlers and fine young men. After a short stint coaching at Owego Free Academy, John arrived in Section V, at Madison High School, in 1954. There he developed locally dominant teams until 1962. In those days, the City League Tournaments allowed teams to enter additional wrestlers to ensure a full schedule of bouts. Frequently, the result in the finals was two Madison wrestlers squaring off against each other. His 1961 team surrendered only 38 points during the entire dual meet season. In 1956, his Madison team wound up with six champions on the Section V podium. John took a break from high school coaching after the 1962 season and soon was putting his talents and energy into establishing the program at St. John Fisher College in Rochester. Once that was up and running, he was drawn back to coaching the younger set. From 1968 to 1982, John ran the program at East High School in Rochester. There his teams won numerous City-Catholic League championships and produced several individual wrestlers who placed in the New York State Tournament. It is characteristic of this naturally modest man that he can remember the accomplishments of his wrestlers, but he cannot rattle off his own won-loss record as a coach. He would prefer that his Sectional Champions such as Tom Kenard (unlimited) and Leonard Barber (155 lbs.), both from his outstanding 1974 team, receive the kudos. Just for general information, though, he coached his teams to more than 200 dual meet victories and developed a very long list of tournament and Sectional champions. Certainly he enjoyed the victories, but he placed his emphasis upon his wrestlers' performance, both on and off the mat. John Spencer was also highly regarded as an official. He officiated at meets throughout Section V when his own team was idle, and officiated at the New York State Tournament. He also served as president of his local officials organization in Rochester. John's most impressive contribution to Section V wrestling may be his mentoring of the many young coaches who sought his help and advice. Many young and less experienced coaches asked to hold joint practices with John's teams. He always accommodated them. He was generous and unstinting in his guidance to his younger colleagues and to many fledgling programs. John and his wife of over 50 years, Helen, are enjoying their retirement years in Florida now. They raised five children: Susan, Joseph, Sandra, Jeffrey and Laurie. Section V and all friends of wrestling in New York owe much to John Spencer. The New York Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame is very pleased to induct him into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.