14 Years

14 Years - That’s how long I have been a Railroader.
Fourteen years ago, Charlie Walsh took a chance on me and gave me the head coaching job at Sparks High School. In those 14 years that have come and gone, I have served four principals, two athletic directors and hundreds of cheerleaders. I was given an opportunity to build a program and make it my own. Over the years my teams earned countless trophies at camps and competitions, we earned a few Nevada state titles and even regional title in California, I was chosen as coach of the year, and we had kids cheer in college and at the national level. We participated in rent parties, parades, festivals, marriage proposals, and countless community events. I have seen kids go on to college, military, get married, have babies, and travel the world. The memories are immeasurable and currently leaking out my eyes…

On a personal level, I survived a marriage and divorce, a second marriage, a beautiful daughter, and will earn a degree. I have learned patience and the art of working with parents. I learned the importance of low power mode on my phone when taking bus trips and the value of a blanket and soft-sided med kit (pillow). I came to love the quirkiness of Sparks High School and its facilities. The history of the Brickhouse and why we affectionately refer to it as the brick-oven during basketball games. Most importantly I have joined a family. The people of Sparks High school have become some of my dearest friends. They have supported me in good years and bad and have seen me grow up from that pain in the butt 20-something to the pain in the butt 30-something I am today. The support and friendship that I have are priceless.

Walking away from a program that took over a decade to build is the hardest thing I have ever done. It was time for me to go, but there are so many things I am going to miss being a coach. I love my kids, all 700-ish of them. They have made me a better person, and through the blood sweat and tears, we have all made the Sparks Cheer Program incredible.

As I transition from Head Coach to Athletic Secretary and Spectator, I know the program is in good hands, and I desperately hope that the traditions we have created will carry on and the memories of my athletes are as meaningful to them as they are to me.

“Once a Railroader, Always a Railroader.”