The University of Akron Athletics
Hall of Fame
Wilson "Sparky" Sparhawk
- Induction:
- 1985
- Class:
- 1933
1931-34
Football/Basketball/ Baseball/Track
Pitcher/Offensive End;Center/Distance
‘33
Wilson “Sparky” Sparhawk though slight in build, proved to be one of Coach Howard “Red” Blair’s outstanding all-around athletes from 1930-34. He not only was a three-year football letterman, but also earned letters in basketball, baseball and track. Sparhawk entered the University in 1930, and as a freshman, lettered in football and basketball and was the starting pitcher for the UA baseball team. He stayed out of school for one year before coming back in the fall of 1932. Although he had played offensive end on the football team two years earlier, Sparhawk switched to center to help strengthen one of the team’s weak spots. It was at that position the 145-pounder earned a starting role as well as a lot of respect. He was the 1933 team captain and was chosen to receive first-team All-Ohio honors at center. Later that year, Sparhawk was guard on the UA basketball team and subsequently went on to letter in track by competing in distance events, too. Sparhawk’s leadership and accomplishments were not limited to athletics, either, He was voted president of the “A” Association in 1932 and was a member of Omicron Delta Kappa and Scabbard and Blade honoraries. Sparhawk, who died in 1973, was inducted into the Summit County Sports Hall of Fame in 1975.
Football/Basketball/ Baseball/Track
Pitcher/Offensive End;Center/Distance
‘33
Wilson “Sparky” Sparhawk though slight in build, proved to be one of Coach Howard “Red” Blair’s outstanding all-around athletes from 1930-34. He not only was a three-year football letterman, but also earned letters in basketball, baseball and track. Sparhawk entered the University in 1930, and as a freshman, lettered in football and basketball and was the starting pitcher for the UA baseball team. He stayed out of school for one year before coming back in the fall of 1932. Although he had played offensive end on the football team two years earlier, Sparhawk switched to center to help strengthen one of the team’s weak spots. It was at that position the 145-pounder earned a starting role as well as a lot of respect. He was the 1933 team captain and was chosen to receive first-team All-Ohio honors at center. Later that year, Sparhawk was guard on the UA basketball team and subsequently went on to letter in track by competing in distance events, too. Sparhawk’s leadership and accomplishments were not limited to athletics, either, He was voted president of the “A” Association in 1932 and was a member of Omicron Delta Kappa and Scabbard and Blade honoraries. Sparhawk, who died in 1973, was inducted into the Summit County Sports Hall of Fame in 1975.
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