Upper Iowa University Athletics

Spatcher received a B.A. degree in 1940 from Upper Iowa with majors in biology and political science. He went on to complete an M.A. degree at the University of Iowa in 1953 with a major in physical education. Spatcher earned additional hours at Iowa State in addition to Iowa.

While at Upper Iowa, Spatcher lettered four years in football, basketball, and baseball as well as two in track. He was co-captain in football and captain in basketball his junior and senior years. In football Spatcher was All-Conference his junior year and second team all conference his senior year, along with placing fourth in scoring in 1936 and 1937. He was second in scoring in 1938 and 1939.

Spatcher has taught more than forty years in Iowa schools at Ledyard, Greene, Storm City, Storm Lake and Ames. He was head coach of football, basketball, baseball, track and girls cross country during this time.

In 1977 Spatcher was inducted into the Iowa Assocation of Track COaches Hall of Fame. He was named the regional coach of girls cross country in 1979 and 1980. In 1983 he had the honor of being the first coach presented a plaque for service to the Iowa Track and Field at the State Track Meet in Des Moines. Nine times since 1971, Spatcher's sprinters had won Drake Relays and State Meet championships.

Spatcher served his country in the U.S. Air Force three years during World War II.