What makes Reitz Football special to you?

My father was Roy Earl Sparks and his family was from the West Side. He was born July 14, 1917 and passed suddenly in Feb. of 1968. He graduated from RHS in 1935 and, according to him, was a student manager of the football team. I have been in Indianapolis since 1975 and would appreciate hearing from anyone with any information about his association with the team. If he is in any team pictures that would be priceless. Go Panthers!

A fond recollection of attending a football game was around Halloween in the early 1960's. We parked a long way away and walked to the game. With the wind off the river, the weather was bone-chilling cold. We were bundled in winter coats and shared a lap blanket. I was drinking hot chocolate and dad had his coffee with a little something extra from another fan's flask.

My dad and I would visit his parents often and I remember the drive well. We would come up the side of the hill with the big "R" facing the river. My grandparent's house was on the corner of Marion and Sontagg. I can remember visiting there and flying kites on and around the football field.

His parents were Roy and Grace Sparks and, with his sister Virginia, lived just down the Hill at the corner of Marion and Sontagg. Grandapa and Dad both worked for the L&N Railroad, Grandpa in the Yards and Dad at the old L&N passenger depot as the Night Chief Dispatcher. Grandma worked at the old Schear's Department Store. His sister Virginia attended Reitz and married Oscar Tiemann who also worked for the L&N. They lived in Howell with their two children, Tom and Jane Anne, who also graduated from RHS. Tom became a traveling engineer for the L&N.

Again, I would appreciate hearing from anyone with information and recollection concerning my dad and his association with the RHS football team from 1931-1935, or any stories about my family you would care to share.

Rick Sparks
rixparx@hotmail.com
317-409-2910