Tomorrow, July 7th, a great friend and extraordinary coach, Major General Austin “Sparky” Renforth, USMC concludes 41 years of military service to our Nation. I’ve known Sparky for nearly all of those four decades and am in awe of all he’s accomplished. While his personal leadership successes in multiple combat tours, and while commanding at every rank are truly extraordinary, I think I’m most impressed by the legacy of lives he’s enriched during his tenure.
Sparky is first and foremost a team builder. Whether as a Little League World Series pitcher, high school football player, college football team captain, or rugby player, Sparky is most comfortable in a team setting, (which is probably what made the Marine Corps such a great fit.) Core characteristics like interdependence, trust, and integrity are key to a team’s success, and I’d bet they are tattooed on Sparky’s heart.
Even in the most challenging and arduous combat environments, Sparky’s genuine concern for his Marines (his teammates) showed through. His personal example of resilience and confidence combined with a sense of humor kept Marines focused on their mission, and morale high, during multiple combat operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan.
Despite cautionary advice telling him he would “ruin his career,” Sparky accepted the role of Head Coach of the US Naval Academy’s Sprint Football Team (Sprint football is regular, full contact, intercollegiate football, only with a weight limit) and led the same team he played for, and co-captained in college, to two conference championships.
Whether on the battlefield or the gridiron, Major General Renforth always lifts the performance of all around him. He’s led a life of service to others and selflessly put the interests of the team ahead of his own. I often discuss the selfless dedication and teamwork of offensive linemen in these blog posts, and I’d be remiss if I didn’t relay Sparky played “Center” on a Naval Academy team that went 24-4, winning 4 straight conference championships. Sparky would want also me to stop there and not tell you he was a three-year All-American offensive lineman, because he’d prefer the focus is left on the team.
Similarly, during tomorrow’s retirement ceremony, (just a few days after celebrating our Country’s Freedom on July 4th) Marines young and old will tout his accomplishments, successes, and contributions to our Country. Others will undoubtedly mention his humble beginnings in the coal country of West Virginia, and the American Dream of successes he’s amassed since. However, when Sparky takes the microphone for his concluding remarks, he’ll talk about his team: his family… his Marines… and how for 41 years, it’s been his privilege to serve them.
Semper Fi, Spark!
Coach Rich Alercio is available to discuss coaching philosophy, X’s & O’s, or teach his O-Line “techniques in the trenches.” Contact Coach at richalercio@gmail.com and share http://www.olineskills.com with your colleagues and friends. Thanks for supporting this blog and joining our conversations, and as always, thanks for your time!
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