From Lakeland to LSU: Rocco Spataro Sharpening His Edge for a Breakout Sophomore Season
By: Doug Noldy | SportzWire | February 11, 2026 | Photo courtesy Spataro Family
As the high school winter sports season concludes and the postseason quickly approaches, student-athletes are already “thinking spring” and looking ahead to the upcoming track and field season. For some, the training and preparation has already begun.
That’s certainly the case for Lakeland sophomore javelin thrower Rocco Spataro.
After the Chiefs’ district championship football season ended with a loss to Lansdale Catholic in the PIAA Class 2A playoffs, Spataro immediately returned to the weight room to begin preparing for track and field.
The Spataro Family: A Tight-Knit Group with Unfinished Business
When asked who his biggest supporters are, Spataro didn’t hesitate, his three older brothers, Antonio, Giovanni, and Dominico.
“Without a doubt, they’re all my best friends and biggest supporters,” Spataro said. “They not only support me, but they’ve given me a roadmap on how to do things and how to go about them.”
Spataro became intrigued with the javelin when his older brother Dominico began throwing during his senior year in 2023. Unfortunately, a UCL injury cut Dominico’s season short. Giovanni also competed for the Chiefs as a discus thrower, further strengthening the family’s connection to Lakeland’s throwing tradition.
A Freshman Season That Turned Heads
Being called up to varsity as a freshman in any sport can be intimidating. Spataro welcomed the challenge, and rose to it.
As a freshman, he finished second at the District Championship, captured first place at the Robert Spagna Championships, and later won the Keystone State Games in the summer. His district throw of 154 feet, 3 inches placed him fourth all-time in Lakeland’s record book.
For his accomplishments, Spataro was ranked the top freshman javelin thrower in Pennsylvania.
American JavFest: The Center of the Javelin Universe
The American JavFest, held at East Stroudsburg South High School, is widely regarded as one of the premier javelin events in the country. Coached and instructed by former Olympians, NCAA All-Americans, Team USA throwers, and Division I collegiate coaches, the event has gained national recognition as “The Center of the American Javelin Universe.”
Under the guidance of Lakeland coaches Coach Davis and Coach Piwowarczyk, Spataro participated in the two-day clinic in July 2025 and finished seventh overall, a performance that caught the attention of two prominent coaches: Barry Krammes, a two-time Olympic Trials finalist and The Javelin Factory coach, and Sean Furey, a two-time Olympian.
Impressed by Spataro’s performance, work ethic, ability, and attitude, they informed Spataro and his family about a prestigious opportunity at LSU, the USA Throws Project. The elite event attracts top throwers from across the nation, and it was an opportunity Spataro couldn’t pass up.
In late January, alongside fellow Javelin Factory athletes, Coaches Furey and Krammes, and his family, Spataro traveled to Baton Rouge.
Lessons, Technique — and Lifelong Friendships at LSU
Approximately 130 throwers from across the country participated in the LSU throwing seminar, including many of the nation’s top prospects.
Spataro quickly built friendships with athletes who shared his passion. But what left the biggest impression was the advice he received from former Olympians Julian Weber, Tom Pukstys, and his personal favorite, Olympic gold medalist Thomas Röhler.
Their message was clear: take care of your body. Focus on mobility and flexibility. Prioritize nutrition. Develop disciplined weightlifting routines. And most importantly, strengthen your mental game, all elements Spataro continues to emphasize in his preparation.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime LSU Experience
While touring the LSU campus and admiring the Bengal Tigers, the Spataro family found themselves approached by a man wearing an LSU jacket.
“You seem like a nice family, do you want to see something really cool?” he asked.
They accepted.
The man turned out to be the director of security and treated the Spataros to a private tour of Tiger Stadium. From the locker rooms to walking through the tunnel, to viewing LSU’s championship history displays, the experience was unforgettable.
“It was the coolest facility I’ve ever seen, something my family and I will never forget,” Spataro said.
What’s Next for Spataro?
Lakeland’s track and field season begins March 19 at Susquehanna Community High School. Spataro’s focus now shifts to refining the techniques and methodologies he has learned.
He enters the season poised to emerge as one of the premier javelin throwers in the league and district, with goals of securing District gold, defending his Robert Spagna Championship, and repeating as Keystone State Games champion in State College in late July.
Beyond individual accolades, Spataro is excited about the Chiefs’ team outlook.
“Kids have come out for the team who never have before,” he said. “Most importantly, we’re having fun getting ready for the season.”
For decades, Lakeland has produced standout throwers who have reached the district and state medal podiums. Spataro considers it an honor to carry on that legacy and credits his coaches and teammates for making the journey enjoyable.
As he continues to develop, past Lakeland throwers can take pride in watching the next chapter unfold. His biggest supporters, his family, already do.
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter / X
YouTube
