Former Blackman assistant Eric Sacharczyk to head up Riverdale wrestling program

Eric Sacharczyk was a vital part of the Blackman wrestling program as an assistant over the past five years.

He will now be a rival of the Blaze, taking over as head coach of the Riverdale program.

"It's exciting," said Sacharczyk, who was a health sciences teacher at Rockvale this year but said that the "plan was" to move over to Riverdale. "The first thing that stands out to me is the support from the administration."

Sacharczyk's son, Brooks, recently completed his senior season and won the Class AAA state title in the 182-pound division.

"It's good timing, with Brooks going off to college," Sacharczyk said. "He's interested in getting a degree in education, and he wants to coach. For the amount of time we spent together as a coach and wrestler, it would be nice to coach with him. Hopefully I can build a program to pass along to him."

His daughter, Morgan, was a freshman this season for Blackman and finished as a state medalist in the girls individual tournament. Sacharczyk said she has "expressed a desire" to go to Riverdale.

Former Blackman Middle wrestling coach Dario Rudas, who also assisted at Blackman High this past season, will be moving over to assist Sacharczyk at Riverdale, Sacharczyk said.

More:Sacharczyk siblings headline DNJ's 2020 all-area wrestling teams

Sacharczyk previously coached at Christian Brothers in Memphis for eight seasons before coming to Blackman. He was part of a highly successful program over recent years under coach Ronnie Bray. The Blaze finished fourth in state duals and third as a team in the state individual tournament in 2020.

Area athletes commit to colleges

McGowan commits to Murray State: Oakland junior basketball standout Claira McGowan is one of a handful of area athletes who have recently committed to colleges.

McGowan, a 5-foot-8 point guard, committed to Murray State last week.

"I chose Murray State because I love the coaching staff, and obviously they have a great program that competes in a tough conference (Ohio Valley Conference)," McGowan said. "Also, throughout my recruitment process they were the school that continuously showed me how much they wanted me to be a part of what they’re building." 

McGowan was a second-team all-area performer as a sophomore and earned first-team honors as a junior.

She averaged 15.7 points and 3.8 rebounds and shot 36% from 3-point range in leading Oakland to a 20-13 record and region semifinals berth, where the Lady Patriots were edged by Tullahoma 52-47.

"I’m super excited to be committed to them and to have found a place I can’t wait to continue my basketball career at," McGowan said.

Page to play for Lee: Blackman senior basketball standout Jalen Page recently committed to Lee University.

Page was a second-team all-area performer and helped Blackman to a 26-3 record and the Class AAA state tournament.

He averaged 9.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.5 points in 2019-20.

Sparks to Bowling Green: Oakland senior football standout Kody Sparks committed to Bowling Green State University in Ohio.

The 6-foot-4 quarterback played one year at Oakland after transferring from Indiana. He led the Patriots to a 13-1 record and trip to the Class 6A state semifinals.

The first-team all-area performer and 3-6A MVP completed 86 of 163 passes for 1,400 yards, 23 touchdowns and three interceptions in 2019.

Smith picks Cumberland: Riverdale senior running back Drew Smith committed to Cumberland in early April. 

The 3-6A running back of the year rushed 179 times for 1,249 yards and 23 touchdowns in 2019.

Reach Cecil Joyce at cjoyce@dnj.com or 615-278-5168 and on Twitter @Cecil_Joyce.