Austin Peay State University Athletics

Honors and Awards
Athletics Director's Honor Roll: F16

Career Recap: Austin Peay
As a junior in 2017

• Finished season with 17 appearances, including two starts, and recorded 24 strikeouts in 26.2 innings pitched.
• Made season’s second start in Govs elimination contest against Belmont, May 25, and went 3.1 innings in his second appearance of the tourney.
• Called on to make relief appearance in Govs tourney contest against Morehead State, May 24, and retired the only two batters he faced.
• Notched win in his first start, tossing four scoreless innings at Western Kentucky, April 19, allowing only one hit while striking out three batters.
• Struck out five batters in 2.2-inning outing at nationally-ranked North Carolina State, Feb. 26, and picked up season’s first win courtesy Govs’ come-from-behind effort.
• Began season with 2.1 innings of scoreless relief against Illinois State, Feb. 18, allowing only one base runner.

As a sophomore in 2016

• Appeared in 18 games, starting five contests and appearing in relief 13 times. Finished season with 1-2 record while recording 30 strikeouts in 34.1 innings pitched.
• Worked out of bullpen during season’s first half, making 10 appearances. Finished that stretch with 6.59 ERA.
• Moved into midweek starter’s role, April 5, at Middle Tennessee and went five innings.
• Posted season’s lone victory against Lipscomb, April 19, striking out a season-best six batters in 4.0 innings.

As a freshman in 2015

• Compiled a 3-1 record and one save in 17 appearances, including one start, amassing a 5.47 ERA in 26.1 innings pitched while striking out 28 batters.
• Made season’s only start against SIUE, May 10, lasting 1.2 innings in no decision.
• Picked up wins in back-to-back outings in early April, credited with win against Middle Tennessee, April 8, then tossed season-long four innings of scoreless relief for win against Belmont, April 12.
• Did not allow an earned run in his first six outings totaling seven innings.
• Began season with relief win against Niagara, Feb. 13, allowing one unearned run over three innings.

Career Recap: Bolton HS

• Recorded 104 strikeouts in a single season at Bolton.
• Three-time all-district selection and twice named to district all-tournament team.
• Named to 2014 State Farm Shelby County All-Star Baseball Game and was selected to 2014 Memphis Commercial Appeal All-Metro Team.
• Played under head coach Chris Godwin.

Personal

• John Adams Sparks is the son of Dennis and Adina Sparks.
• Born Nov. 2.
• Has an older sister, Laura.
• A business major with a concentration in marketing.