Charlie Walsh - Educator of Sparks High School
Charlie Walsh grew up in Las Vegas and attended Western High School, where he ran track and cross country. In 1979, he was the state bronze medalist in cross country and the school's most valuable track and cross-country athlete. He graduated in 1980 and then attended UNR, where he earned his bachelor's degree.
Charlie began his teaching and coaching career at Bishop Gorman High School in 1986, where he served as assistant football and soccer coach and head track coach. He also coached and taught at Chaparral High, Cimarron-Memorial High and Palo Verdi High School. He was a three-time Southern Nevada Track Coach of the Year and was one of only a few USA Track and Field nationally certified coaches in Nevada.
Charlie moved north and began at Sparks High School in 2001. He served as head IV football coach and head track coach. He was named the athletic director in 2002. He became athletic administrator in 2004 and continued in that position until 2010. During his time at Sparks, he began the extremely successful Quarter Auction, which raises thousands of dollars each year for Sparks athletics. He was instrumental in improving the facilities at Sparks High, including the construction of the baseball press box, refurbishing the track facilities and new bleachers in the gym.
Charlie also facilitated moving Sparks High to the 3A division so that Sparks athletics could be more competitive. He then transferred to Wooster High and continued as athletic administrator until his retirement in 2020.
Charlie was the NADA Athletic Administrator of the year in 2005, earned the NIAAA State Award of Merit in 2007 and was the NIAAA Section VII president from 2019-2021. He served NADA in several positions, including award chairman, vice president and president. He also served at the Northern Class 3A president and the state Class 3А president of the NIAA.
Charlie dedicated 35 years to serving students and student athletes. He impacted their lives in many ways and believes athletics are the hook that keeps students involved in school and are the steppingstone to success in life. Charlie has said that he chose this career so he could wear shorts every day to work.
Inducted 2023
