As some of you may know, ?starsaw?, or the original South Adams Wrestling Star, ok maybe not the original there were many, many other great wrestlers that I have had the opportunity to wrestle along side and coach for over the years from South Adams, and where I have had the pleasure to also work with some very amazing and professional coaches as well.
I have been on staff at South Adams since 1998, when I got of active duty from the Army. Over the years I have found myself back with the military, mainly because other than Wrestling, it?s the very one thing I Love. I have been recently assigned to Ft. Benning, GA as a Drill Sergeant. I report right after the Christmas break, so sadly I am going to miss out on the second half of the season. My time here at South Adams has been a great one, first rate. Our Varsity went from winning just a few matches a year to winning A.C.A.C. titles. We have gone from not getting a kid out of Sectional some years to walking the Floor at Conseco almost every year.
I am very proud of our kids that have busted it and our Coaches that put endless hours to make our Program what it is today. Leaving Starfire Wrestling is probably one of the hardest things I have had to do. I love all of those guys like my own kids, my own brothers, and my family. BUT, they are in the greatest hands and that makes me feel good. I will follow them as much as I can, and do what I can from down south to assist each and every one of them. I want to thank all of you, in the Wrestling community for all your efforts to make our sport what it is today. Indiana Mat is without question one of the best Wrestling Websites out there, besides www.starfirewrestling.com of course.
Who would have thought I?d go from some young snot nosed, mouthy coach that argued with Y2 any chance I could? to doing what ever I could to help him create this amazing site. It?s been a huge asset to every wrestling program across the entire State of Indiana. Thanks Joe! It makes me feel good that I was able to help in what ever way I could. Thank You Indiana Mat, Indiana Wrestling, for everything? it?s been Awesome!
The E.C.I.C. at Jay County will be my last event before I go but like I told the guys here? if I have any opportunity to come back? I will do just that. If I can?t, well I will continue to follow our great sport using Indiana Mat.
GOOD LUCK to all of you for the remainder of the season! GO Starfires! F.I.R.E!
-Coach Sparks
Special Thanks to all of the Starfire Wrestling Coaching Staff, over the years: Jeff Miller, Ron Crider, Steve Tatman, Danny Brotherton, Ryan McCroskey, Eric Hirschy, Craig Hammitt, Jay Stahly, Denny Schwartz, Brian Fox, Herb Bergman, Bob Vickery, Ryan Moore, Jeff Sprunger, Ben Wanner, Josh Kimberlin, Josh Mann, Dustin Ehr, Jackson Werst, Landon Genth, Andy Myers, and of course my close personal friend Coach Eric Myers, who allowed me to come into my own. Thanks Brother.
And Last but not Least a Very Special Thank you to all of you Past, Present, and Future members of Starfire Wrestling!