Thanks to Sharell Toon we have part one of a two part interview talking to Sherman, TX’sÿown rising UFC star Pete Spratt, who is soon to fight in Canada’s UCC on the road to his next appearance in the UFC.ÿ Unlike everyone else’s interviews, this one deals with Pete Spratt the person and the playa – everyone else has done the fighter angle to death.ÿ Here’s a sample:
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“I had a chance to meet Pete Spratt at Mikey Burnetts Rock and Rumble II a couple of weeks ago.ÿ I thought I would get a little background information on Pete, let the fans know what his life is like outside of fighting.ÿ Fighters are people too; you would be surprised at just how much you have in common with each other.”
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For the entire interview, click on READ MORE and stay tuned for part two.
BEHIND THE SCENES WITH PETE SPRATT
I had a chance to meet Pete Spratt at Mikey Burnetts Rock and Rumble II a couple of weeks ago.ÿ I thought I would get a little background information on Pete, let the fans know what his life is like outside of fighting.ÿ Fighters are people too; you would be surprised at just how much you have in common with each other.
Sharell -ÿTell me about your family and background, how and where you grew up.
Pete – ÿ My family background is not much to speak of. I was raised and adopted by my Grandma at age 10. I grew up in Sherman, TX. She taught me how to be a man and kept me spoiled at the same time (smiling).
Sharell –ÿDo you have any brothers or sisters?
Pete – I have 19-year-old twin little brothers.
Sharell -ÿWhat were you like as a kid?
Pete – ÿ As a kid I was a little knucklehead. I didnt get into any major trouble but I was always into shit. I was bad as hell.
Sharell -ÿWere you into sports in school?
Pete – ÿ I was heavy into sports in school. I lettered in 3 sports in high school. I was a 4-year letterman in Track, 3 in football and 2 in basketball. I was even a high school All American in track in the 400m dash. I actually still hold my high school record in that event with a time of 47.4 seconds. I also hold the school record in the triple jump with a distance of 47 feet 2″. I earned a full football scholarship to Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, La. I hated it there so I dropped out and sat out a year and a half. It was too much pressure on me as an incoming freshman. They signed about 15 guys and I was their number one recruit. They billed me as the freshman sensation and I just crumbled. There was more to it on why I left that I wont go into, would take too much time.
Anyway, in 1992 I decided to go back to school and got a partial scholarship to Southeastern Oklahoma State University. I had my difficulties there as well but ended up as their all time career-leading receiver in yards and touchdowns. I was a 4-year starter and was voted all conference for 3 years and my senior year I was voted to the NAIA All American 1st team and conference player of the year. I was 2nd in the nation in receiving that year. I was a 2 time national qualifier in the long and triple jump missing out on all American status by 1 place both years. When I mentioned having difficulties at SOSU, I kicked off the team after my freshman year for talking back to my head Coach (Morris Sloan). We worked things out and I was allowed back on the team after some disciplinary actions. I am still very close to my former coaches. Coach Sloan (former head coach), Coach Baxter (current head coach) and Coach Pettit (former offensive line and strength and conditioning coach). Coach Pettit actually designed my strength and conditioning programs for 2 of my 3 UFC appearances. Whats funny is that he helped me in both of my wins. Guess I needed to stick with him for the Newton fight (smiling)!
Sharell –ÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿ How does your grandmother feel about your career choices? Both fighting and rapping?
Pete – ÿ She is behind me in whatever I choose to do. Doesnt matter. Of course she doesnt want me fighting but shes happy when I am happy!
Sharell -ÿHow long have you been rapping?
Pete – ÿ I have been rapping since about 1984 or so. I started out as a D.J. My childhood friend Gary Doss was all into mixing and scratching records. He got me started in it as well. We used to do house and block parties back in the day. Man, that was fun. We even had a D.J. group with like 7 of us. It was nuts! Eventually, I decided to start rapping and he would do the scratching. Kind of like D.J. Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince.
Sharell -ÿWhat label are you with?
Pete -ÿI am currently with an independent label called Blu-House Recordings. CEO Chris Edwards in a great cat to work with and has been in the business a long time. Hes goal oriented and driven as I am. Actually, the group that I was with 903 Playas actually released 2 LPs under his label. We had some contract problems and miscommunication in the past that led to us not resigning with Blu-House. The group started their own label called small change records but there was already a record company named that. They wanted me to be the CEO and basically wanted me to do all the work. Well thats what I realized when I started my research. I decided not to do it because I dont have enough time to start a record label, train, fight, oversee my clothing line and designs as well as do the same for the label. Also looked like I would end up financing the whole thing and I couldnt do it. So myself and label mate Mr. J Sweet decided to work with Blu-House again which was a very smart and wise business decision. The rest of the guys in the group can stay bitter and not realize the smart thing to do and get left behind. I am all about results and good business moves.
Sharell -ÿWhere can a fan get your music?
Pete -ÿI would go to www.bluhouserecordings.com to try to get some of the old stuff. Albums that may be available are 903 Playas-Dranked Out! and Shertown Anthem. Right now we are working on finishing Mr. J Sweets solo album entitled “Boss Playa!” Then, I will be working on my 1st solo release to be dropped shortly after his.
Sharell -ÿYour female fans would like to know if you are single or do you have a special woman in your life (besides your grandmother that is.)?
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(to be continued)
Stay tuned for the answer to that question and the second part of my interview with Pete Spratt!ÿ More exciting info to follow.
Sharell Toon is a freelance writer who also contributes to Josh Hedges Ufighting.com.ÿ For comments or questions on this article you can reach her at fwchic@ufighting.com.