Bentley Sparks is entering his second year with the Columbus State University men’s basketball program as graduate assistant coach in the 2011-2012 season.  He will be responsible for guard development, the strength and conditioning program for the team and recruiting.

Sparks comes to Columbus State from Berry College where he graduated in May 2010 with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Exercise Science.  He was a three-year member of the basketball team earning Academic All-American status every season.  As a senior, he served as a team captain and won the Champions of Character Award for the Southern States Athletic Conference.  The award is given out based on respective, responsibility, integrity, servant leadership and sportsmanship. 

A local product, Sparks graduated from Brookstone High School in 2006 where he was able to play under current Columbus State University head men’s basketball coach Robert Moore.  The Columbus native also played football and soccer. Sparks will obtain his Master’s of Arts in Teaching with a concentration in Health and Physical Education in May 2012.  He is engaged to Mary Brugh and they are set to get married in the summer of 2012.