Spencer Hays
Spencer Hays - Douglas County West High School - Class of 2018
Athletic Hall of Fame Induction 2024
Spencer Hays was a championship caliber, three-sport standout for the Douglas County West Falcons from 2014-2018. This multi-sport star reached elite Nebraska high school status by earning twelve athletic letters including four in football and basketball, three in track, and one in baseball. Former DC West Football Coach Kyl Gillespie said, “Spencer was an amazing leader on and off the field without having to say many words. His focus, motivation, and ability to bring out the best, both in himself, and everyone else helped us turn the program around. He was an amazing athlete, an even better person, and it was my privilege to coach him.”
Spencer struck fear in the hearts of opponents with his elite speed and athleticism on the gridiron. He holds DC West school records for career receiving yards at 1001 and the longest kickoff return at 93 yards. His greatest statistical game was against Conestoga his senior year when he amassed 337 all-purpose yards while scoring four touchdowns. For his efforts during his senior campaign, he earned First Team All-District and Honorable Mention All-State recognition as well as an invite to play for the South Squad in the Nebraska State Shrine Bowl. Although Spencer had many great individual honors and moments on the football field, his greatest memory was when his brother Caden stopped the Fort Calhoun quarterback on the one-yard line as time expired to preserve a 22-19 victory his senior year.
Spencer also burned up the track over his record-breaking career. He currently holds DC West records in the 100-meter dash, the triple jump, and the long jump. He etched his name in history at the state track meet his senior year, where he brought home a 7th place finish in the 100 meters at 11:07, a 3rd place medal in the triple jump at 45’10”, and a state championship in the long jump with a mark of 22’10.”
After high school, Spencer attended Southeast Community College and earned a degree in Electrical Technology. Today he lives in Waterloo and is a Commissioning Engineer at Vector Commissioning Services. Tonight, Spencer will join his father, Eric, and Uncle Jesse, in the Douglas County West Hall of Fame.