George B. Sparkman | |
Coach Team1: | Hillsborough High School |
Coach Years1: | ? |
Coach Team2: | Florida (assistant) |
Coach Years2: | 1919 |
Coach Team3: | Hillsborough High School |
Coach Years3: | 1923 |
Player Positions: | End/Halfback |
Player Team1: | Auburn |
Player Years1: | 1908 |
Birth Date: | 31 January 1886 |
Birth Place: | Tampa, Florida |
Death Place: | Miami, Florida |
George Bascom Sparkman Jr. (January 31, 1886 - July 7, 1924) was an American football player and coach, once a key figure in Florida athletics. Sparkman played and later coached at Hillsborough High School in Tampa, posting wins over rival St. Pete.[1] [2] Among his pupils at Hillsborough High were Dutch Stanley and Speedy Walker. Sparkman assisted the 1919 Florida Gators football team.[3] He played for coach Mike Donahue's Auburn Tigers football team in 1908. He possibly saved a touchdown by recovering a fumble against Sewanee at the 2-yard line.[4] He also ran for a 65-yard touchdown against Georgia Tech.[5] Sparkman died at the age of just 38 of tetanus.[6]
George Bascom Sparkman Jr. was born to George Sr., an attorney and mayor of Tampa, and Mary Elizabeth Kershaw on January 31, 1886. He married Pearl Luther of Albertville, Alabama.[7]