A 1964 graduate of Sheffield High School where during his career he earned 13 varsity letters as a Bulldog athlete. In football he was the Most Valuable Lineman along with being named the basketball MVP in 1964. He was also named to both the All-State Basketball and  Football teams that same year. After high school he played freshman basketball at the University of Alabama before returning home to become a member oe the Florence State Lions football team. As a member of Lions Sparky was selected to the All-Alabama Collegiate Conference Team three consecutive years in 1967-1969 as well as the All-NAIA All-American Team in 1969. He is a member of the UNA All-Decade Team in football.