David Tallent - Class of 1975

 David Tallent graduated from Sparks High in 1975, lettering in football & baseball. Shortly thereafter, Coach Dave began a long and rewarding career with the City of Sparks. Coach Dave started in the Parks Department and eventually retired as the Public Works Superintendent.

However, Coach Dave's true passion was his family. He married his sweetheart Paula Morris in 1988 and had three children that were the light of his life. Coach Dave also had a large "extended family," as he was a father figure to countless young people in our community, coaching youth sports and helping young folks become great teammates and model citizens. Dave coached baseball and football at many levels from Pop Warner and Little League to high school, including at both Hug High and Sparks High.

Coach Dave and his family also established the Blayne Tallent Memorial Fund to help remove financial barriers so that Sparks High athletes can worry less about prohibitive costs and more about competition. From current athletes to city councilmen, a vast cross-section of our community cherishes the time they had playing for Coach Dave and strive to follow his selfless example.

Coach Dave loved Sparks High and the community. The feeling is more than mutual.

Inducted 2023