Mount Airy’s Spainhour Eyes State Gold After Last Year’s Heartbreak

Mount Airy, N.C. — Alex Spainhour from Mount Airy can’t shake the memory of last year’s 10-0 loss in the 138-pound state finals. It was against Ryan Mann, and that defeat has been driving him ever since. “Losing 10–0 in the finals is something I still think about,” Spainhour said. “It hurt a lot, but it also showed me how high the level is at states. That loss is a big reason why I am so motivated this season.”

He finished last season 28-4. Solid numbers, but not good enough for him. “It was a good season, but it was not enough for me,” he said. “I knew I needed to be better. In the offseason, I worked on my conditioning, my strength, and fixing small mistakes so I can be ready in big matches.”

This year, he’s taking it one match at a time. “At the start of this season, my mindset has been about improving every match,” Spainhour said. “I am not trying to rush anything. My first goal is to wrestle smart, win tough matches, and build confidence before the postseason.” His regional title last year got him to states. But it came with a warning. “Winning regionals last year helped me get to states, but it also taught me that you cannot relax at any point,” he said. “This year, I am focused on wrestling hard for all three periods and keeping control the whole match.”

Practice at Mount Airy has stepped up this season. “Training at Mount Airy has been more focused this year,” Spainhour said. “We do more live wrestling, harder conditioning, and more drilling on the little things. Everything we do is to be ready for the state tournament.” Head coach Cody Atkins has led the program since 2011. Assistant coach Jake Fregia works close with Spainhour. “Andrew Meadows pushes me a lot in practice and outside of it,” he said. “He is always asking me to go to clubs and get extra wrestling in.

Coach Jake Fregia is also a big part of my progress. He is always beside me during practice telling me to go harder and not let up.”

The state tournament is in three weeks. Spainhour feels it. “With states only 15 days away, my focus is staying healthy and sharp,” he said. “I am not trying to change anything big right now. I’m getting my technique sharp, keeping my pace high, and trusting all the work I have already done.” He wrestles with nonstop pace. “My wrestling style is pressure, all gas and no breaks,” Spainhour said. “I like to push the pace and wear opponents down. Right now, I am working on staying aggressive from the first whistle to the last.”

Mount Airy took home its first team state title last year. Spainhour had a hand in that. “Winning the team state championship last year meant a lot to our program,” he said. “It showed what Mount Airy wrestling is about. My goal is to score important team points and help us compete for another title this year.” The practice room stays tough with plenty of state placers. “Practice is very competitive because we have many state place wrestlers in the room,” he said. “Every practice feels like a tough match. That kind of environment makes everyone better and keeps me focused.”

Pressure doesn’t faze him like it used to. “After last season, I have learned how to handle pressure better,” Spainhour said. “When I feel nervous, I focus on what I can control and trust my training instead of overthinking.” That finals loss hit hard. “Losing in the finals was the hardest thing I have faced in wrestling,” he said. “It taught me how to deal with disappointment and use it as motivation. That experience has helped me grow mentally.”

He sees himself winning it all. “When I picture winning the state title, I see myself staying calm through the whole tournament,” he said. “I picture finishing strong in the finals and knowing I gave my best effort.” The team matters too. “Beyond my own goals, I want to help lead my team,” he said. “I want to set a good example in practice and competition so we can make another deep run at states.”

Spainhour got his start wrestling young right there at Mount Airy. “I started wrestling at Mount Airy when I was young,” he said. “The coaches and teammates taught me discipline, hard work, and accountability. That foundation is what drives me now.” Younger wrestlers can learn from him. “My advice to younger wrestlers is to learn from losses and not get comfortable with being close,” he said. “Use setbacks as motivation and keep working until you reach your goal.”

With a strong staff and tough teammates around him, Spainhour looks set to turn last year’s close call into this year’s championship.