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Wyatt Sparkman

Wyatt Sparkman, Sports Reporter

Wyatt Sparkman is a sports reporter covering both baseball and football. He’s a junior from Louisville, Kentucky.

All content by Wyatt Sparkman

Fall camp update: Zappe, Wilson building chemistry in new program

Wyatt Sparkman, Football reporter
August 18, 2021
WKU Hilltoppers defensive coordinator Maurice Crum during day 10 fall camp at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium on August 13, 2021 in Bowling Green, KY

Fall camp update: WKU coordinators share thoughts after first scrimmage

Wyatt Sparkman, Football reporter
August 14, 2021
WKU Hilltoppers defensive back Antwon Kincade (1) during fall camp practice #4 at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium on August 7, 2021 in Bowling Green, KY

Fall camp update: WKU secondary continues to gel, younger players step up

Wyatt Sparkman, Football reporter
August 13, 2021

Zappe, Malone named to 2022 Reese’s Senior Bowl Watchlist

Wyatt Sparkman, Football reporter
August 12, 2021
A crowd of tailgaters gathers on South Lawn under the Guthrie Bell Tower before WKU's Homecoming game against North Texas on Saturday.

WKU to host Topper Fest

Wyatt Sparkman, Staff Reporter
August 9, 2021
Several local law enforcement agencies, emergencies medical services and the fire department participated in an active shooter training.

Local law enforcement organizes active shooter training

Wyatt Sparkman, Staff Reporter
July 29, 2021
WKU junior defensive lineman Deangelo Malone (10) celebrates making a stop during the game against MTSU in L.T. Smith Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019.

Malone lands on Nagurski watch list

Wyatt Sparkman, Football reporter
July 27, 2021

Navy transfer Carothers returns home to Bowling Green

Wyatt Sparkman, Football reporter
July 26, 2021
Joshua Simon (6) of Western Kentucky University’s maneuvered away from Jacione Fugate (1) of the Charlotte 49ers at the game on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019, in Houchens-Smith Stadium, Bowling Green, Ky. Simon recovered and continued running towards the endzone.

WKU Football’s Simon named to Mackey Award watchlist

Wyatt Sparkman, Football reporter
July 23, 2021
Helton, Spencer, Kincade address media in virtual 2021 C-USA Media Day

Helton, Spencer, Kincade address media in virtual 2021 C-USA Media Day

Wyatt Sparkman, Football reporter
July 21, 2021
WKU outfielder Jackson Gray (51) is congratulated by catcher Hunter Evans (4) after Gray hit his first home run as a Hilltopper that also helped Evans score during the game against Valparaiso at Nick Denes Field on Mar. 19, 2021. WKU won 8-4.

A welcome surprise: Jackson Gray’s stellar first season with WKU Baseball

Wyatt Sparkman, Baseball reporter
July 20, 2021
DeAngelo Malone (10) of Western Kentucky University’s Hilltoppers celebrates with his teammates after a successful play at the game against the Charlotte 49ers on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019, in Houchens-Smith Stadium, Bowling Green, Ky.

Malone picked as C-USA Preseason Defensive Player of the Year

Wyatt Sparkman, Football reporter
July 20, 2021
WKU head football coach Tyson Helton chats with FIU head football coach Butch Davis after the Hilltoppers’ 20-14 win at Riccardo Silva Stadium in Miami, Fla. on September 7, 2019.

Eight Hilltoppers land on PFF’s Preseason All-Conference USA Teams

Wyatt Sparkman, Football Reporter
July 17, 2021

WKU figures Crennel, Asher, Casey among Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame 2021 inductees

Wyatt Sparkman, Football Reporter
July 15, 2021

Hilltoppers land Ohio OL, former ULM commit Aronokhale

Wyatt Sparkman, Football Reporter
July 13, 2021
Demolition work on the Garrett Conference Center continued Thursday, as WKU moves forward on various projects around campus before the start of the Fall semester. The Conference Center, which opened in 1953, was expanded in 1964, according to the Kentucky Museum. The building’s footprint will be filled by green space, according to the university’s Campus Master Plan.

WKU starts tearing down Garrett

Wyatt Sparkman, Staff Reporter
July 8, 2021
WKU gets all-clear on fifth-year accreditation report

WKU gets all-clear on fifth-year accreditation report

Wyatt Sparkman, Reporter
July 7, 2021
Board of Regents meeting from 2018.

Bale, Thomas appointed to WKU Board of Regents

Wyatt Sparkman, Reporter
July 2, 2021
Cherry Hall. File photo, Mike Clark/HERALD

WKU goes from no Dean Browns to two Dean Browns

Wyatt Sparkman, Reporter
July 1, 2021
The WKU football team takes the field before playing against The UAB Blazers at Houcens-Smith Stadium. WKU won 20-13.

Class of 2022 center Wyatt Anderson verbally commits to WKU Football

Wyatt Sparkman, Football reporter
June 28, 2021
WKU Football Practice, August 18, 2020 at Houchens-Smith Stadium.

Eight Hilltoppers named to Phil Steele’s Preseason All-C-USA Team

Wyatt Sparkman, Football Reporter
June 22, 2021
WKU Football Practice, August 18, 2020 at Houchens-Smith Stadium.

WKU Football secures four new commits

Wyatt Sparkman, Football Reporter
June 22, 2021
Alcorn State Baseball's Tristin Garcia transfers to WKU

Alcorn State Baseball’s Tristin Garcia transfers to WKU

Wyatt Sparkman, Baseball Reporter
June 18, 2021
Western Kentucky University graduate quarterback Tyrrell Pigrome drops back for a pass in Cardinal Stadium on Sept. 12, 2020. 

Tyrrell Pigrome officially leaves WKU Football program

Wyatt Sparkman, Football Reporter
June 17, 2021
Jackson Gray named to ABCA/Rawlings Midwest All-Region Second Team

Jackson Gray named to ABCA/Rawlings Midwest All-Region Second Team

Wyatt Sparkman, Baseball Reporter
June 16, 2021
Houchens-Smith Stadium 16 days prior to the first home game of the 2020 football home opener against Liberty University. 

Houchens-Smith Stadium to return to full capacity, kickoff times announced for WKU’s conference games

Wyatt Sparkman, Football Reporter
June 1, 2021
WKU Football signs North Alabama transfer Brodric Martin

WKU Football signs North Alabama transfer Brodric Martin

Wyatt Sparkman, Football Reporter
May 29, 2021
MTSU Blue Raiders at WKU Hilltoppers on April 18, 2021 at Nick Denes Field in Bowling Green, KY

WKU season ends after run-rule loss to LA Tech

Wyatt Sparkman, Baseball Reporter
May 28, 2021
EKU Colonels vs WKU Hilltoppers on May 18, 2021 at Nick Denes Field in Bowling Green, KY

Hilltoppers advance in C-USA tournament thanks to extra-innings walk-off win against UTSA

Wyatt Sparkman, Baseball Reporter
May 27, 2021
WKU Head Coach Tyson Helton and the Hilltoppers retake the field after the first half. The game was tied 10-10 at the half.

10 Hilltoppers named to Athlon Sports Preseason All-Conference USA Team

Wyatt Sparkman, Football Reporter
May 27, 2021
Junior Aristotle Peter pitching against Valparaiso on March 21, 2021 in Nick Denes Field. WKU went on to win 11-1 over the Crusaders to improve to 10-9 on the season.

WKU falls to Southern Miss 11-1 to open C-USA tournament in the early morning hours

Wyatt Sparkman, Baseball Reporter
May 27, 2021
Swiney named to All-Academic team, first in program history

Swiney named to All-Academic team, first in program history

Wyatt Sparkman, Baseball Reporter
May 24, 2021
WKU head coach John Pawlowski argues a call during the game against Middle Tennessee on Friday, April 16, 2021.

Pawlowski previews opening round of C-USA tournament, reflects on regular season

Wyatt Sparkman, Baseball Reporter
May 21, 2021
Hilltoppers sign Wake Forest defensive tackle Mike Allen

Hilltoppers sign Wake Forest defensive tackle Mike Allen

Wyatt Sparkman, Football Reporter
May 19, 2021
The WKU Baseball team celebrating the 10th inning walk-off hit by freshman Eric Riffe to take down Charlotte 17-16. 

WKU walks off Eastern Kentucky in 14-inning regular season finale

Wyatt Sparkman, Baseball Reporter
May 18, 2021
Conference USA Baseball Championship bracket set, WKU draws Southern Miss

Conference USA Baseball Championship bracket set, WKU draws Southern Miss

Wyatt Sparkman, Baseball Reporter
May 16, 2021
Richard Constantine

WKU drops series finale against no. 23 Old Dominion by way of run-rule

Wyatt Sparkman, Baseball Reporter
May 16, 2021
WKU’s Kevin Lambert (24) tags second base before Valparaiso catcher Jake Kapers (3) can reach it at Nick Denes Field on Feb. 15, 2020. WKU won 9-3.

WKU splits doubleheader with no. 23 Old Dominion, earns first win against a ranked opponent since 2018

Wyatt Sparkman, Baseball Reporter
May 15, 2021
Head coach John Pawlowski and his infield conduct a mound visit with pitcher Jake Kates against Middle Tennessee on Friday, April 16, 2021. 

WKU drops series opener to ODU, teams combine for 22 runs

Wyatt Sparkman, Baseball Reporter
May 14, 2021
WKU Junior Justin Carlin attempts to put the ball in play during a game against Marshall College on April 11, 2021. 

WKU Baseball splits FAU doubleheader thanks to Carlin’s walk-off

Wyatt Sparkman, Baseball Reporter
May 7, 2021
WKU baseball players joke while in the dugout at Nick Denes Field on Feb. 16, 2020. WKU beat Valparaiso 6-2.

Coach Pawlowski talks Marshall sweep, momentum and upcoming FAU series in midweek interview

Wyatt Sparkman, Baseball Reporter
May 5, 2021
WKU Junior Justin Carlin attempts to put the ball in play during a game against Marshall College on April 11, 2021. 

Justin Carlin named Conference USA Hitter of the Week

Wyatt Sparkman, Baseball beat reporter
May 3, 2021
Sophomore Jackson Swiney (6) celebrating a run scored against the Cincinnati Bearcats on Feb. 26, 2021. 

Eight-run ninth inning caps off WKU’s second sweep of Marshall

Wyatt Sparkman, Baseball beat reporter
May 2, 2021
WKU defensive back Dionté Ruffin (26) breaks up a pass intended for ODU’s Cornell Hendrick Jr. (19) at S.B. Ballard Stadium on October 5, 2019 in Norfolk, Va. WKU won 20-3

WKU cornerback Dionté Ruffin signs with Chicago Bears

Wyatt Sparkman, Sports reporter
May 2, 2021
WKU offensive lineman Jordan Meredith (61) and defensive back Antwon Kincade (31).

WKU guard Jordan Meredith signs with Los Angeles Rams

Wyatt Sparkman, Sports reporter
May 1, 2021
WKU defensive Devon Key celebrates with his teammates during the Hilltoppers' 22-23 loss to Louisiana Tech University on Saturday Sept. 16, 2017 at L.T. Smith Stadium.

WKU safety Devon Key signs with Kansas City Chiefs

Wyatt Sparkman, Sports reporter
May 1, 2021
WKU Junior Justin Carlin attempts to put the ball in play during a game against Marshall College on April 11, 2021. 

Carlin’s three home runs lifts the Hilltoppers over Marshall, WKU clinches series

Wyatt Sparkman, Baseball beat reporter
May 1, 2021
WKU’s Ray Zuberer III (13) loses his helmet while running to second base against Valparaiso at Nick Denes Field on Feb. 15, 2020. WKU won 9-3.

WKU plates 10 runs, claims series opener over Marshall

Wyatt Sparkman, Baseball beat reporter
April 30, 2021
Photo by Keilen Frazier

Carson Williams signs with Las Vegas Raiders

Wyatt Sparkman, Sports Reporter
April 27, 2021
WKU celebrating Jackson Gray's fourth homerun of the season. The Hilltoppers split its series against Middle Tennessee on April 18, 2021. 

Hilltoppers split C-USA series with MTSU, finish homestand

Wyatt Sparkman
April 18, 2021
Jeremiah Fails (21) celebrates the Western Kentucky University Hilltoppers win on Nov. 14, 2020. The Hilltoppers defeated the visiting Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles 10-7.

Hilltoppers play annual spring game, glimpse of 2021 team

Wyatt Sparkman
April 17, 2021
Head coach John Pawlowski and his infield conduct a mound visit with pitcher Jake Kates against Middle Tennessee on Friday, April 16, 2021. 

Hilltoppers fall to Middle Tennessee, WKU unable to complete comeback

Wyatt Sparkman
April 17, 2021
WKU outfielder Jackson Gray (51) swings at a pitch during the game against the Bowling Green Falcons at Nick Denes Field on March 14. WKU won 17-16.

WKU’s Gray tabbed C-USA Hitter of the Week

Wyatt Sparkman
April 12, 2021
WKU sophomore outfield Jackson Gray dives back to second base to avoid being picked-off during a game against Marshall College on April 11, 2021.

Hilltopper claim first C-USA sweep over Marshall, Stofel earns first career win

Wyatt Sparkman
April 11, 2021
Sophomore Jackson Swiney at the plat against Marshall on April 9, 2021. 

WKU claims two over Marshall, Gray hits walk-off homerun to open series

Wyatt Sparkman
April 10, 2021
WKU’s Davis Sims (10) rounds second base against Wright State on Feb. 22, 2020 at Nick Denes field. WKU won 7-2.

Sims named 2021 Senior CLASS Award candidate

Wyatt Sparkman
April 8, 2021
Senior punter John Haggerty punting during spring practice on April 6, 2021. 

WKU begins fourth week of spring practice

Wyatt Sparkman
April 7, 2021
WKU infielder Jack Wilson (9) hits the ball during the game against the Charlotte 49ers at Nick Denes Field on March 27, 2021. WKU lost 6-0.

Hilltoppers drop series at FIU, host Marshall

Wyatt Sparkman
April 6, 2021
WKU pitcher Collin Lollar (20) throws a pitch at the baseball game at Nick Denes Field on Feb. 27, 2021. WKU lost 11-3.

Hilltoppers drop second consecutive C-USA series

Wyatt Sparkman
April 3, 2021
WKU pitcher Jackson Gray (51) swings at a pitch during the game against the Bowling Green Falcons at Nick Denes Field on March 12. WKU won 4-3 in the 10th inning.

WKU falls in doubleheader against FIU

Wyatt Sparkman
April 2, 2021
WKU redshirt sophomore pitcher Jake Kates (21) delivers a pitch during their game against North Dakota State on Sunday, February 21, 2021 in Bowling Green, Ky.

Hilltoppers open road trip with win over FIU

Wyatt Sparkman
April 2, 2021
WKU outfielder Ty Crittenberger (22) slides into first base during the game at Nick Denes Field on Mar. 27, 2021. WKU lost 6-0.

Hilltoppers travel to FIU following initial C-USA series

Wyatt Sparkman
March 30, 2021
Freshman Eric Riffe celebrating his walk-off hit in the 10th inning against Charlotte on March 28, 2021. WKU won 17-16 to conclude the first C-USA series of the season. 

WKU walks-off series finale against Charlotte, Riffe the hero in the 10th inning

Wyatt Sparkman
March 29, 2021
WKU outfielder Ty Crittenberger (22) slides into first base during the game at Nick Denes Field on Mar. 27, 2021.

Hilltoppers drop fourth straight game, outscored 11-4 in doubleheader

Wyatt Sparkman
March 27, 2021
The WKU Baseball team huddles up prior to the first Conference USA series against Charlotte on March 26, 2021. 

WKU falls in first C-USA contest against Charlotte

Wyatt Sparkman
March 26, 2021
WKU infielder Jack Wilson (9) runs home to score at the baseball game at Nick Denes Field on Feb. 27, 2021. WKU lost 11-3.

WKU goes through 10 pitchers in loss at Louisville

Wyatt Sparkman
March 24, 2021
Junior Aristotle Peter pitching against Valparaiso on March 21, 2021 in Nick Denes Field. WKU went on to win 11-1 over the Crusaders to improve to 10-9 on the season.

WKU plates 10 runs in fourth clinching series win over Valpo, Peter pitches complete game

Wyatt Sparkman
March 21, 2021
Redshirt sophomore wideout Terez Traynor running across Feix field during spring practice on March 20, 2021. 

WKU completes first full contact practice of spring

Wyatt Sparkman
March 21, 2021
WKU pitcher Jackson Gray (51) swings at a pitch during the game against the Bowling Green Falcons at Nick Denes Field on March 12. WKU won 4-3 in the 10th inning.

Hilltoppers fall in day two against Valparaiso

Wyatt Sparkman
March 20, 2021
WKU right handed pitcher Jake Kates (21) pitches during the game against Valparaiso at Nick Denes Field on Mar. 19, 2021. WKU won 8-4.

WKU rallies from behind against Valpo, Gray hits first homerun as a Hilltopper

Wyatt Sparkman
March 20, 2021
Redshirt sophomore Drew Zaubi (12) out on Feix Field for WKU's second spring practice on March 18, 2021.

Hilltoppers complete second spring practice

Wyatt Sparkman
March 19, 2021
WKU infielder Jack Wilson (9) runs home to score at the baseball game at Nick Denes Field on Feb. 27, 2021. WKU lost 11-3.

Hilltoppers drop midweek contest against Bellarmine

Wyatt Sparkman
March 17, 2021
WKU outfielder Jackson Gray (51) swings at a pitch during the game against the Bowling Green Falcons at Nick Denes Field on March 14. WKU won 17-16.

Hilltopper baseball claims first clean sweep

Wyatt Sparkman
March 16, 2021
WKU’s Ray Zuberer III (13) loses his helmet while running to second base against Valparaiso at Nick Denes Field on Feb. 15, 2020. WKU won 9-3.

Zuberer named C-USA Batter of the Week

Wyatt Sparkman
March 15, 2021
WKU infielder Davis Sims (10) is congratulated by his teammates after scoring a run during the game against the Bowling Green Falcons at Nick Denes field on March 14.

Hilltoppers plate 17 runs en route to first sweep of season, Crittenberger hits first collegiate homerun

Wyatt Sparkman
March 14, 2021
WKU Junior pitcher Sean Bergeron (23) celebrates with coaches and teammates after exiting the game against North Dakota State on Sunday, February 21, 2021.

WKU clinches series over Bowling Green State, Hilltoppers ride a three-game win streak

Wyatt Sparkman
March 14, 2021
WKU redshirt freshman TY Crittenberger (22) slides into home during the game against the Bowling Green Falcons at Nick Denes Field on March 12.

Gray leads WKU over Bowling Green State

Wyatt Sparkman
March 13, 2021
WKU pitcher Hunter Crosby (39) fist-bumps catcher Matt Phipps (25) after defeating Wright State 7-2 at Nick Denes Field on Feb. 22, 2020.

Phipps tabbed to 2021 Buster Posey National Collegiate of the Year Award Watch List

Wyatt Sparkman
March 10, 2021
Sophomore Devyn Terbrak pitching against Kentucky on March 9, 2021. The Hilltoppers fell 6-5 to the Wildcats. 

Hilltoppers fall one run shy at Kentucky

Wyatt Sparkman
March 10, 2021
WKU pitcher Collin Lollar (20) throws a pitch at the baseball game at Nick Denes Field on Feb. 27, 2021. WKU lost 11-3.

Hilltoppers nab game three against Tulane

Wyatt Sparkman
March 7, 2021
WKU pitcher Sean Bergeron (23) pitches against Valparaiso at Nick Denes Field on Feb. 16, 2020. WKU won 6-2.

WKU drops game two at Tulane, Hilltoppers lose third straight

Wyatt Sparkman
March 7, 2021
WKU redshirt sophomore pitcher Jake Kates (21) delivers a pitch during their game against North Dakota State on Sunday, February 21, 2021 in Bowling Green, Ky.

Hilltoppers fall in series opener at Tulane, Kates pitches second start of season

Wyatt Sparkman
March 6, 2021
WKU outfielder Ray Zuberer III (7) throws the ball back infield after catching a hit at the baseball game at Nick Denes Field on Feb. 27, 2021. WKU lost 11-3 in the final game of the series.

Hilltoppers clinch series over Cincinnati, WKU wins on back-to-back walk-off hits

Wyatt Sparkman
February 28, 2021
Redshirt sophomore Jake Kates pitched in his first start of the season against the Cincinnati Bearcats. The Cincinnati native struck out 11 Bearcat batters during his seven inning outing.

Riffe lifts WKU over Bearcats in extra innings, Hilltoppers snap three game losing skid

Wyatt Sparkman
February 27, 2021
Hilltopper Outfielder Jackson Gray (51) misses a swing in WKU’s doubleheader against North Dakota on Monday, Feb. 22.

WKU falls to #3 Vanderbilt, Commodores plate 12 runs

Wyatt Sparkman
February 25, 2021
WKU Junior pitcher Sean Bergeron (23) delivers a pitch during their game against North Dakota State on Sunday, February 21, 2021 in Bowling Green, Ky.

WKU takes down North Dakota State, Bergeron leads Hilltoppers to comeback victory

Wyatt Sparkman
February 22, 2021
WKU baseball players joke while in the dugout at Nick Denes Field on Feb. 16, 2020. WKU beat Valparaiso 6-2.

WKU sets times for season opener against North Dakota State

Wyatt Sparkman
February 20, 2021
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