wvmat.com

I am sorry to report the passing of former Barboursville and Cabell Midland coach, Ernie Sparks this morning. Heaven needed a champion.

Prayers for all! He always treated people the right way and had a great sense of humor. We lost a good one.

Chris Diserio

Sorry to hear the news of Coach Sparks passing away, sad. He and I go way back, another friendship developed through the sport of wrestling. Rest in peace Ernie, you will be missed by the wrestling community.

Ernie was a good friend and a wonderfully unique wrestling coach. It saddens me to think that we lost him way too soon!!! i enjoyed his witty remarks around the mat and will miss seeing him at the WSAZ and state wrestling tourneys. My condolences to his family and to all of the wrestling family he loved so much!!!! Sincerely George Keeney

Big Ern was a good man. Watched him wrestle back in the day. Always a competitor, gentleman and funny man. You will be missed big guy. Prayers for his family and those who knew him.

Thoughts and prayers for all !

Link to article about Coach Sparks

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/h ... 4631a.html

Yes R.I.P. my teamate. You will be missed Ernie. My condolences to Amy and all his family.

Wrestling and coaching have lost a very unique man. I became friends with Ernie in the 80s and we have been friends ever since. He really was a great man. I plan to travel down from Wheeling today in hopes of paying my respects to Ernie and his family.. I am coming down tonight ( Friday ) and I would appreciate any information that may now be available regarding his arrangements. Please post any information that any of you may have. Thank you! XCoach Steve Shaffer

Soupbone, visitation is Friday from 4-8 pm
at the Wallace Funeral Home in Barboursville, WV.