For Bryce Sparks, the finish line has never been the full story — it's everything it took to get there.

A senior hurdler from Franklin, Tennessee, Sparks' path to Tennessee State Track & Field wasn't a straight one. Born in California but raised in Middle Tennessee, Franklin became home — a town he describes as modern yet deeply rooted, with a warmth that sticks with you. It's also where Sparks learned lessons that would carry him through injuries, setbacks, and ultimately, his most meaningful years as a collegiate athlete.

Track wasn't always the plan.

"I started running with my friends," Sparks said. "Honestly, I wasn't very good at first."

What began as a way to escape winter football workouts slowly turned into something more serious. With the help of strong coaches and a growing belief in his own potential, Sparks found his stride — even if his early memories still bring a laugh. One of his first meets ended with him and a friend finishing dead last in the hurdles.

"We still laugh about it," he said.

That ability to laugh, learn, and keep going would become one of Sparks' defining traits.

After initially attending the University of Tennessee at Martin, Sparks made the decision to transfer closer to home — and closer to something he felt he was missing.

"I wanted the HBCU experience," he said. "And I wanted to be somewhere that felt like family."

He found exactly that at Tennessee State.

"TSU Track is a family," Sparks said. "My last team wasn't like this. Everyone here is closely knit, and that means a lot to me."

That sense of belonging became especially important during one of the toughest stretches of his career. Sparks' junior year tested him physically and mentally as he worked his way back from injury and struggled to regain top form. Instead of breaking him, the experience sharpened his resolve.

"My drive has grown the most," he said. "That year taught me how to fight for something I really wanted."

That fight has shown up when it matters most. One of Sparks' proudest moments came early in his TSU career, when he entered the OVC Championships as the 12th seed during his freshman season — and still found a way to score when few expected it.

Now in his final year, Sparks says he feels like he's come full circle.

"I'm really back to my freshman self," he said. "I'm in shape, I'm committed, and I'm determined to win."

As a senior, his focus has shifted beyond individual races. Sparks wants to leave a mark — on the program, the conference, and the record books. His goal is clear: break the school record in the hurdle events and cement his place in TSU history.

Along the way, he's been guided by key figures, including Coach Lockhart and teammate Bobby Teixeira, who he credits with pushing him and helping shape his journey.

Off the track, Sparks is anything but one-dimensional. A communications major with a deep love for rock music, poetry, and instruments, he can often be found playing the guitar, piano, or ukulele. He's also a student of the game — especially football — breaking down schemes and analyzing sports with the same intensity he brings to competition.

Faith and family ground him on race days. His pre-meet routine includes reading the Bible or praying when he wakes up, followed by a call or text to his parents — a reminder of who he runs for.

Looking ahead, Sparks sees a future still rooted in sports. Whether as a sports analyst or a teacher and track coach, he hopes to pass on the lessons he's learned through his own experiences.

And for those who come after him, his advice is simple — and hard-earned.

"Just because it's close to the finish and you're weary doesn't mean you take your foot off the gas," Sparks said. "Stick to the fight when you're hardest hit. When things seem the worst, that's when you mustn't quit."

It's a mindset that has defined Bryce Sparks' career — not just as a hurdler, but as a teammate, a leader, and a Tiger.