In December of 2024, Spencer Sabo woke up in pain, too much to even put on his shirt! That day changed everything for him, his family and even his teams. That started a quest for diagnosis and treatment that would consume his days for the next few years. The diagnosis was T-Cell Lymphoma and the pain was caused by a mass in his chest, right next to his heart. The treatment involved surgery, bi-weekly shots, a daily chemo pill and remote schooling for a while. Though grateful for the outpouring of love and help from the community, and the excellent care by his medical team, he profoundly missed his football team.
He has been involved in sports (track, basketball and football) since childhood, but football was his love. Unfortunately, in 7th grade he sustained a leg injury, then had to sit out his eighth grade year. He returned to the game in his freshman year as a running back. His first game in that position set a record for running yards. He lettered that year! Lettering in a sport involves a commitment to attendance, team work, academic eligibility, actual play-time on the field and overall sportsmanship. A fabric letter is awarded, which shows great school spirit, community pride and dedicated hard work. Few students letter in football that young, but Spencer is no ordinary student. Football is his passion, and it shows,
His sophomore year wasn’t the follow-up he desired. That is when the cancer hit. He had been exhibiting symptoms similar to a sinus infection or a bad cold for a while, and became tired easily. Then came the morning of December 26, when he couldn’t put on his shirt. His family took him to Saint Joe’s, then Warren Hospital. He was eventually referred to Akron Children’s Hospital. Tests and a biopsy showed the T-Cell Lymphoma.
His treatment was an IV chemo every week, 3 shots a week, blood transfusions, and infusions, even some blood-thinner shots. Through the months of chemo, surgery and therapy, he kept a positive attitude…positive he would be back to the team. That goal kept him focused on his recovery. Now he is in maintenance, yet still gets chemo once a month and takes chemo pills daily. He will ring the bell in April. That is such an emotional moment for every survivor!
This past week, starting August 1 of 2026, he met his goal. With his medical port removed, his doctor cleared him to play. Team practice began and he was in it! Tuesday was the day for full gear. Shoulder pads, girdle, knee pads, helmet…lots of extra weight and heat on his recovering body. Wednesday was shoulder pads and helmets..a little less for everyone. They are currently practicing for an upcoming scrimmage to start the new school year. His official number is 14, but his practice number is different.
Coach Goss is happy to have Spencer back. He says it has been a huge help to the team to have him back. He has contributed a great deal, and team spirit is higher with Spencer back in uniform. The previous year, when Spencer was out with cancer, the team had low numbers so Spencer’s absence was acutely felt. Spence can play both sides of the ball (both offense and defense) making him quite the team asset. His friends, teammates and coaches are all excited to have him return.
Spencer keeps himself busy, on or off the field. He volunteers with youngsters, and holds a part-time job grinding stumps. He lifted weights throughout his treatment, he pushed himself even when he didn’t feel up to it. He has been back at school and maintains good grades.
Spencer and his family are quite grateful to the outpouring of emotional and financial support from the community. Faces held a special fundraiser for him. Businesses around town pitched in, selling ribbons and donating the proceeds. Tiger Pizza employees even donated their tips.
Coach Goss also sends a shout out to the community of Newton Falls. ‘It’s a tight community, and they take care of each other. That’s what they do!” The community certainly showed up for this lad, and he sends a sincere thanks to all! The first game is August 21 in Wellsville, and the first home game is September 4. Come on out and cheer the team on!
