Hall of Fame
Football, Basketball, Track & Field (1925-29)
Edwin “Tip” Whitehead proved that an athlete does not have to be big to be good. Between 1925 and 1928, he earned several letters in football, basketball and track. A sprinter in track and a guard in basketball, Whitehead was best known for his dashing feats as a football back. The 135-pounder could hit the line, skirt the ends and run back kicks. After graduation in 1929, the Lafayette, Calif., native decided to remain in Nevada. His first coaching-teaching job was in Fernley, but he soon moved on to Sparks. Whitehead tutored the Railroaders in football, basketball and track for a great number of years and was credited with building a football dynasty at Sparks High School in 1940, winning several state and zone championships. After coaching, Whitehead became a school administrator until his retirement. To this day, his name is carried on as Sparks High School has named their athletics complex Edwin “Tip” Whitehead Field.
