Zach Sperry at his staked-out spot inside the Wheeler High School gymnasium. A constant presence at games and events, Zach always shows up for the teams and to help out at the school. (Stephen Allen/The Times-Journal)
Whether he is running the chains for the officiating crew, or on the sideline with the team – Zach Sperry is always there.
In addition to rooting for the Rattlers, Zach Sperry also helps out at the Fossil School. He often assists the school's Maintenance Technician Rob Whitbeck with projects, including with recycling.
Every high school team has one. Or at least, they should. The superfan. Someone who is so invested in the team that win or lose, their devotion is undaunted.
While the sporting events change with the season, the superfan is never a fair-weathered follower.
So it goes for Fossil's Zach Sperry. If you've been to a Rattlers volleyball or basketball game, you've seen Zach sitting courtside, full of nerves, and cheering the boys and girls teams on. Ready to chase down a loose ball in the gym, or working the chains for the football team – Zach is a constant presence at Rattlers games.
"I would say that Zach has been on the sideline for about 95% of all the games, for the entire time he's been here," says Fossil Schools Superintendent Jon McMurray.
A graduate of Madras High School, Zach was the waterboy for the football team. Sports has always been in his DNA.
Zach's family moved to Fossil 16 years ago when his father, Brad Sperry, became the Fossil School Superintendent. Now, at 39 years old, Zach has become an integral part of the Fossil School and the biggest supporter of the Wheeler County sports teams.
His wardrobe shows his loyalties. "I have a jacket of all the teams," Zach says proudly, referencing the schools he has attended or supported over the years.
"I have a Fossil jacket, I have Condon jacket," Zach says. His only dilemma these days is to show his loyalty to another school – Enterprise, where his sister Tiffanie Arrellano teaches and serves as the athletic director.
Recently, the Rattlers Football team traveled to Wallowa. Zach probably didn't sleep the night before. Worrying that he would get booed by the Rattlers fans for wearing his Enterprise jacket. Zach is uneasy about getting an Enterprise jacket, and finding an appropriate time to wear it.
When he is not taking in a game, Zach is helping out at the school and in the community. Rob Whitbeck, who works as the school's Maintenance Technician, says that Zach has helped with several projects and describes him as an integral part of the school's culture.
Two years ago, Zach helped Whitbeck lay down sod for the new baseball field. He also helps with weekly runs to the transfer station and with recycling duties.
"He's from a really good family, and has a tremendous work ethic and a good sense of humor," Whitbeck says. "Zach is really one of the finest people I know and he helps me with all kinds of things and is happy to help whenever he gets an opportunity."
Reader Comments(0)