CLEMMONS, NC — Josh Spontak is a high school wrestler who recently made the switch from Bishop McCort Catholic School in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, to West Forsyth High School in Clemmons, North Carolina. This decision wasn’t about wrestling; it was about tackling some personal challenges and finding a fresh start.
“Just because I’m from Pennsylvania doesn’t mean I’ll automatically be a champion here.”- Josh Spontak
At Bishop McCort, known for its strong wrestling program, Josh trained with some impressive talent, including wrestlers like Jax Forrest and Bo Bassett. “The practice room at Bishop McCort and RPW was very competitive,” Josh said. “Because of its reputation, I had the chance to practice in front of top college coaches like the Brands brothers from Iowa and David Taylor from Oklahoma State. Having partners like Melvin Miller, Devon Magro, and Jackson Butler really pushed me to improve.”
However, Josh's decision to transfer to West Forsyth was driven by factors outside of wrestling. "I faced some tough times in my community and felt like I needed a change," he explained. "A family friend helped us find a good situation here." The move was primarily about finding a place where he could thrive in all aspects of life, not just in sports.
He’s also aware of the rumors swirling around his transfer. “I’ve heard people say I moved because I couldn’t start at Bishop McCort. The truth is that I couldn’t, but that’s not why I left. Just because I’m from Pennsylvania doesn’t mean I’ll automatically be a champion here. I’ve faced tough competition in North Carolina and neighboring states, and I expect a real challenge on the road to the state championship.”
Now at West Forsyth, Josh has taken on a leadership role, eager to help his teammates improve. “The training here is different because the kids don’t have the same experience as those at Bishop McCort,” he noted. “But I want to help motivate my teammates. They look up to me as someone who has trained at a high level, and I’m happy to share what I know.”
With the regional tournament coming up this weekend at Davie County High School, Josh's goals are clear. “I want to win the regional tournament and then go for the state championship at the Greensboro Coliseum next weekend. It’s about pushing myself to be the best I can be. I’m focused and ready to put in the work,” he asserted confidently.
Preparation is key for Josh. “I’ve been focusing on perfecting the small things in my technique. I don’t watch a lot of video on my opponents. I need to execute my moves effectively. I want my opponents to worry about what I’m going to do, not the other way around,” he explained.
Managing pressure is also part of his routine. “I try to stay calm and focused, reminding myself why I started wrestling in the first place. It’s about improvement and passion for the sport,” he said, highlighting the mental strength needed to succeed.
As he navigates this new chapter, Josh is thankful for the support of his former coaches, current coaches, teammates, and family. “Having support from the West Forsyth community means a lot. It pushes me to strive hard to excel,” he concluded. “I also want to thank my dad. He’s sacrificed so much for my athletics and has always stood by me through the ups and downs. I haven’t seen him since I moved to North Carolina, but I hope to see him soon.”
With a strong focus and determination, Josh Spontak is ready to make his mark in North Carolina wrestling, setting his sights on achieving his championship goals
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