Biography
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
2020-21(COVID Shortened Season): Tanner was unable to compete due to a surgery he received for an injury. This did not affect his “Team Power”. Tanner remained a “Loyal Soldier” for our team and helped any way he could. “Tan Man” has the experience and “Right Stuff” necessary to compete at the top level in DII Wrestling. Tanner is a leader and “Positive Force” on our team, and will be looked to and counted on for leadership next season. “The Best Is Yet To Come” for Tanner.
Words that describe Tanner: Enduring, Loyal, Sincere, Good Friend, Developing Into a Leader For Our Team, Soldier, Trustworthy, “Rebound Power”, Tough.
2019-20: Tanner’s Word is Pursuit. He is in Pursuit of getting better every day and having an impact in Division II Wrestling. He has the Commitment and "Work Power" to accomplish that. He finished his RS-Sophomore campaign with a 23-15 record, and a 5-3 dual record. Finished 1st at the Kaufman/Brand/Bayly Open, 5th at the Jim Koch Open, 8th at the prestigious Midwest Classic, 1st at the Pat "Flash" Flanagan Open, and 5th at the NCAA Regional tournament. Tanner earned Wrestler of the Week and OOOSSS Award honors seven times. Tanner earned the Dr. Lombardi Saint Award, the Outstanding RS-Sophomore Award, the Most Improved Award, the Iron Man Award, was a 20 Match Winner (23), the Varsity Letter Award (2x), is an NWCA DII All-Academic Team National Champion, and was elected to the Geico GLVC Team Academic All-Conference for the third time. "Tan Man" makes our Dojo a "Better Place".
2018-19: Before long, Tanner Sparks will be one of the best in NCAA Division II wrestling. Earning the spot at 157 lbs this year, Tanner placed 1st at the Pat “Flash” Open with 4 bonus point victories, earned a 5th place finish at the Jim Koch Open. Tanner was instrumental in the team’s dual meet wins against Bellarmine and Kentucky Wesleyan. Tanner earned the Most Improved Award, Varsity Letter Award, Rebounding Power Award, the Jim “Bongo” Bayly Iron Discipline Warrior Award. He was a factor in the team’s NWCA DII All-Academic National Championship. For his performances, Tanner earned Wrestler of the Week and OOOSSS Award three times.
The Best is Yet to Come for Tanner Sparks. He is one of our top young wrestlers that we rely on for leadership.
2017-18: Tanner has the Work Power, Dedication and Commitment to have an impact in Division II Wrestling with some experience. He brings his best to the Dojo everyday. He competed in 5 opens this season wrestling unattached. He placed 4th at the Greyhound Open with a 4-2 record. Tanner recorded a technical fall (16-0) over Greathouse of Indiana University in 3:31. Tanner picked up 7 victories during his freshman campaign. He was selected as one of the Outstanding Redshirts. He wins the Dr. Lombardi Saint Award for his work in the classroom where Tanner excels. He is an Academic Dean’s List Student. Tanner picks up the Jim “Bongo” Bayly Iron Discipline Award and GRIT Award. Tanner was named the Wrestler of the Week once and the OOOSSS Award Winner once during the season.
HONORS & AWARDS
Career Record: 39-33
2020 Most Improved
2020 Outstanding Redshirt Sophomore
2020 20 Match Bronze Winner (23)
2020 NWCA DII All-Academic Team National Champion
2020 2X Varsity Letter Award
2020 Iron Man
2020 Dr. Lombardi Saint Award
2020 GLVC All-Academic (3x)
2019 WOW & OOOSSS Award (3)
2019 Most Improved
2019 Varsity Letter Award
2019 Jim “Bongo” Bayly Iron Discipline Warrior Award
2019 NWCA DII All-Academic National Team Champion
2018 Jim “Bongo” Bayly Iron Discipline Award
2018 Outstanding Redshirt
2018 Dr. Lombardi Saint Award
2018 GRIT Award
2018 Wrestler of the Week
HIGH SCHOOL
Tanner was a 3x State Qualifier in high school and finished his Senior season with a State Championship in 2017. During his outstanding high school career Tanner won 8 Tournament Championships. He finished in the top 10 at Flo Nationals.
High School career record: 116-25
ABOUT TANNER
Birthday: 2/3/99
Nickname: T
Parents: Todd and Jamie Sparks
Siblings: Jordyn Sparks
HS coach’s name(s): James Alter
Greatest moment in wrestling: Winning State
People who have had the greatest influence in your life: Older Mentors / Parents
Favorite athlete: Tim Tebow
Favorite entertainer: Alex Peric
Favorite food: Macaroni
Favorite book: Wild at Heart
Favorite wrestling movie: Tombstone pile driver
Favorite quote: "The evidence of your passion is your pursuit."
Craziest ambition: Start something that will impact people all over the world
If I could meet one person: Jesus
I came to Maryville because: The coaches, the atmosphere, and the opportunities the school can provide
Best sports advice ever received: Nobody will remember the wins and losses 10 years from now. They will remember the type of leader and the effort you gave to become the best form of you.
Treasured possessions: My OOOSSS jacket
Something people don’t know about me: I'm the best video game player on the team.
10 years from now: Doing something that combines business and ministry that impacts tons of lives.
