ECC alum recruited to New Orleans AFL team

ECC alum recruited to New Orleans AFL team

Ellsworth Community College alumni Kenny Spencer was assigned last month to the AFL's New Orleans Voodoo. This marks Spencer's second season as a kicker in the AFL. It was announced this week that Spencer has also joined Kicking For The Dream's effort to fight ovarian cancer, according to NFL kicker and Kicking For The Dream founder Billy Cundiff.

"I've known Kenny Spencer since he was in high school," says Cundiff. "Kenny is a great kicker, always gives back to his community and is a stand up guy. We are excited to have him on board as we know he will be an inspiration to others."

Spencer says he is thrilled that Cundiff asked him to join the Kicking For The Dream project. "When Billy called and asked me to be a part of Kicking For The Dream, it was a no-brainer," says Spencer. "I feel honored and couldn't be more happy to help fight for such a great cause. Ovarian cancer is a serious disease and can't be taken lightly."

According to the Voodoo website, Spencer set a 2012 League record with 138 converted extra points on the season (94.5 conversion percentage) as a rookie with the Spokane Shock. In field goals, he converted 4 of 7 attempts, with all three misses coming on field goals of more than 50 yards. For his outstanding performance, he received all-league honors and was named the 2012 AFL Kicker of the Year.

After the 2012 season, Spencer spent time with the UFL's Virginia Destroyers. Prior to joining the Shock in 2011, he spent a season with the PIFL's Alabama Hammers.

Spencer just completed the 2013 season, and says the move to New Orleans was good for him. "I came here and performed at a high level, but unfortunately we didn't make the playoffs," Spencer says. "It came down to the last game of the season, which was good, but we didn't get that win. Now I'm looking forward to working out in the off-season, and I'll work some side jobs in security. I still have hopes of making it to the NFL."

A 2007 graduate of Ellsworth Community College in Iowa Falls, Spencer transferred and completed his academic and collegiate football careers at the University of North Alabama in 2009, where he converted 63 of 66 PAT and finished 12-of-17 on field goals his senior season. His longest kick was 38 yards, and he scored 99 points while at UNA. He was first team All-Gulf South Conference and first team Daktronics All-Super Region 2, second team Don Hansen All-Super Region 2, and was the 9/20/2009 Gulf South Conference Special Teams Player of the Week.

He is the son of Jeff and Gloria Spencer of Glenwood, Iowa.