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03/17/2016 12:00 AMNo matter what sport he’s playing, Tyler Spano always focuses on doing the little things that help his teams win. Tyler played two years for the Yellowjackets’ football and cross country squads and will soon begin his fourth season on the baseball diamond. Tyler also recently completed his four-year career with East Haven’s boys’ basketball program and Head Coach Ricky Narracci appreciates his selfless nature and nonstop effort.
“He’s a team guy first and is always the first one to congratulate someone else on their success,” Narracci says. “He’s undersized for the position that he plays, but if there was anyone that got as much as they could out of their ability, it was him. Whether he played 15 minutes or five minutes, he played as hard as he could for as long as he could.”
Tyler made a major impact on defense for the Easties and was never afraid to sacrifice his body for the betterment of the team. That led to Tyler setting the school record for charges taken in a game (6 at North Haven on Feb. 12), as well as a season. Tyler finished with 26 charges this winter—five more than previous record holder Mauricio Rodriguez.
“I score on offense, but I’m more of a defender. I’m always on the floor. Everyone always breaks my chops, but taking charges is a part of basketball. Like a steal or block, it’s just as a big. You get the ball, a foul on the other team, and a turnover. I’m happy to help the team anyway I could,” says Tyler. “Every time coach gave me a shot, I knew what I had to do. I had to hustle to get more playing time. Charges are a big part of the game and coach loves it. When I’m doing good, playing good, and hustling, I’m going to stay in.”
Tyler also urged East Haven’s younger guys to take more charges and no one heeded that message better than his brother Ryan.
“I really preached to the younger guys to work hard. I sit on the JV bench and watch the games. I do think taking charges is a big part of the game. Ryan had 13, I had 26, and that was it for the whole team. We were the only ones to take a charge,” says Tyler. “It’s a momentum turn and I preach that. I work with kids in practice on taking charges. I try to help them work hard.”
Tyler’s been influenced by many of his coaches, whether it was Jim Reynolds throughout Biddy Basketball, Anthony Russell in cross country, or Narracci with the basketball team. Tyler always applies something his mentors taught him when he’s playing and believes that coming from such an athletic family has benefited him, as well.
“My parents playing sports throughout high school, it’s helped a lot because they have a great sports background,” says Tyler. “It helps a lot because throughout all Little League, my dad [East Haven softball assistant Dave Spano] was my coach from T-ball and up. Having him there telling me what I’m doing wrong is a big help. He’s been coaching for 20 years, so a lot of times, I know he’s right.”
Tyler played the offensive and defensive lines for Yellowjackets’ football, but made the move to cross country after breaking an elbow as a sophomore. Even though he only ran cross country for two years, Tyler’s work ethic elevated him to the role of captain last fall.
“I love football, but I really wanted to focus on basketball. I didn’t want to risk getting hurt again. I knew I was going to play a lot these last two years, so I decided to do cross country to get in shape for basketball,” says Tyler. “I’m really happy with the decision I made. Running cross country was a fun experience. I ran to get in shape. Having the opportunity to have Coach Russell as a coach was great. He pushed us and made us work. If you’re around the guy for 10 minutes, you can see how much he values his players and he pushes them. I appreciate that from him.”
With baseball right around the corner, Tyler is anxious to get back on the field and play his corner infield positions. Tyler’s main spot is first base and he feels his value to East Haven stems even more from his brain than his ability.
“I feel like I just have a high sports IQ. I just know what to do at all times,” says Tyler. “I’m a good defenseman. That’s my strong spot with baseball. I don’t hit necessarily in the front of the lineup, but I try to get on base.”