Carl Hornbrook

Carl Hornbrook had a long illustrious career in Western Michigan Sports. He graduated from Rockford High School in 1942, where he lettered in football, basketball, baseball, and track. He was all-conferenece in football and basketball in his senior year and was voted "Senior Male Athlete of the Year." Carl was inducted into the Rockford Hall of Fame in 2002. 

Carl was best known for his long career in Sparta. He began teaching social studies here in 1957. His coaching duties included football, basketball, baseball, tennis, and golf. In fact, he made golf a varsity sport during his tenure as athletic director. Carl served as AD from the mid-1960s until he was hired on as the principal in 1978, where he served until his retirement in 1987.

Retirement did little to slow Carl's involvement with Spartan athletics. He continued to annouce football games and was very active with the Sports Boosters for many years. Sadly, Carl Hornbrook passed away at age 78, January 10, 2003. He touched many lives in a very positive way during his 30 years with Sparta High School.