In The Early 1990’s Derek Sparks was a celebrated high school phenomena. Regarded as one of the nations top recruits, Derek declared his place in the California High School Hall of Fame, with some record shattering performances that include;

RUSHING for 220 yards on just 3 CARRIES with 3 TOUCHDOWNS All in the 1st Quarter of ONE GAME.
11 TOUCHDOWNS IN ONLY 2 GAMES
At age 15, Derek became the youngest player to win the “California Player Of The Year” Award

After being recruited by many well known universities, and joining other high profile athletes in the recurring process, Derek passed over the Huskies, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Illinois, Miami and became a COUGER in 1991. As a Cougar, Derek played as a true-freshman and played in the backfield with Drew Bledsoe and Ryan Leaf. He was the Apple Cup MVP in 1994 (rushing for 85 yards and 2 touchdowns), to ensure a win over the Huskies. He also helped the Cougars win the Copper & Alamo Bowl. After graduating from WSU, Derek spent two years as a free agent in the NFL. During pre-season camp with the San Francisco 49ers, Derek re-injured his knee, soon after Derek retired from the game.

Today Derek lives in Seattle and is the founder of GAMETIME, a youth organization. The GameTime mission is to “Build a Generation of Champions” through mentoring sports activities, and scholarship opportunities. Derek is also the author of “Lessons of the Game” which chronicles is highly controversial high school careers, which was featured on ESPN’s Sports center.

1994 APPLE CUP MVP
DOAK WALKER NOMINEE
NFL FREE AGENT TWO SEASONS
BEST IN THE WEST
LOS ANGLES TIMES RUNNING BACK OF THE YEAR (Junior)
LOS ANGLES TIMES PLAYER OF THE YEAR (Junior)
ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER PLAYER OF THE YEAR (Senior)
3 TIMES ALL-CIF 1ST TEAM
ALL-AMERICAN (AT 1 TIME WAS RATED #1 RUNNING BACK IN THE NATION)
MATER DEI HIGH SCHOOL PLAYER OF THE YEAR, GRADUATED WITH HONORS
CAREER HIGH SCHOOL RUSHING YARDS (5,300)
CAREER HIGH SCHOOL RUSHING TD’S (62)
CAREER HIGH SCHOOL ALL PURPOSE YARDS (over 6,000)
CAREER HIGH SCHOOL ALL PURPOSE TOUCHDOWNS (over 70)

You can E-mail Derek Sparks at 5_player@gametimesports.net