Profile on Todd Spitzer, Catamount Quarterback

Standing at 6’4 and 234 pounds, senior quarterback Todd Spitzer leads the Catamounts. After two games, this native of Greer, South Carolina has had his share of ups and downs as Western’s quarterback. So far this season, Spitzer has thrown 18-of-41 for a total of 228 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions. The Catamounts are currently 0-2 following a 52-6 loss at Alabama and a 45-21 loss at Eastern Kentucky. Spitzer believes that his performance has been decent over the first two games, but there is always room to improve. “Right now, my numbers don’t look good, but stats don’t mean everything to me. Being consistent with my mechanics, my focus and just my overall play is the key,” said Spitzer, commenting on his statistics so far this season. “Sure, it would be nice to have great numbers, but that’s not what wins you games. Having the ability to move the balls through the air or on the ground, taking care of the football, and playing smart are the keys to a good performance.”Despite the team’s rough start, Spitzer sees positive things ahead for the Catamounts. He feels that the youth of the Catamounts is what is hurting them so far this year, but knows that with more experience and better confidence the Catamounts can easily improve. “People fail to realize how young this team really is. We have a lot of 1st and 2nd year guys playing. I am happy with the steps we have taken so far. The record we hold right now isn’t good, but there is more than that going on here, kids are growing, and everyone is learning. I am looking forward to the future of this team, I know that it is going to be bright,” said Spitzer. Spitzer was the backup tight end for the University of Cincinnati when they played against the Catamounts in 2005. Coming up just short against the Bearcats, Western fell 7-3 in this away game. Spitzer transferred to Western in January of 2006 and made three starts under center for WCU. He ranked 7th in the SoCon in passing yardage and 10th in passing efficiency. “Choosing a school during my transfer wasn’t easy. I prayed really hard about it, and in the end, I went with my heart. There were other schools that I was considering but I felt that WCU was the right place for me. And so far I have enjoyed my time here,” said Spitzer.Spitzer chose Western because he wanted a place where he could come and fit in well. His tight end’s coach at Cincinatti helped him in his search. When he contacted Coach Briggs, everything was worked out and finalized for Spitzer to come to The ‘Whee. “It was not an easy decision, but I think I made the right one. I am glad I’m here. I have made close friends along with meeting new people. I like the area and I am closer to home,” said Spitzer. The next opponent that Spitzer faces is the 23rd ranked Georgia Bulldogs. The Catamounts will travel to Athens, Georgia on Saturday September 16 to battle their second SEC school in three weeks. Spitzer is confident that his Catamounts can come out and play well against the Bulldogs. He believes that Western just needs to play really smart, and if they do, they can hang in the game. “It’s going to be loud and it’s going to be hostile, but two weeks ago we were in this same situation. It’s the same type of thing; there shouldn’t be any nervous emotions. We need to go out and get after them for 60 minutes, win the special teams battle, and control the football. If we do that, we can hang tough,” said Spitzer. Spitzer is always looking to improve at the quarterback position for the Catamounts. Despite his team’s 0-2 start, he knows that in order to grow as a quarterback he must continue to work and practice hard. “To improve, I think I just need to keep working as hard as I can. If I continue to spend time in the film room, on the board going over plays, and with Coach Briggs, then I know I will improve in every single game. I always have room for improvement, in all aspects of my game. I like to hear criticism because it allows me to see my play and development from another stand-point,” said a confident Spitzer. His no-quit attitude and mental toughness will help Todd Spitzer not only make it far on the football field, but in life as well. Spitzer is a champion through and through and the Cats are lucky to have him wearing the purple and gold uniform.