David Faulk Kicks Up His Heels As Sparkman High Football And Soccer Athlete
HARVEST- The famous tune “Wishin’ and Hopin” in the 1960’s by legendary singer Dusty Springfield could have easily been a gift of song for Sparkman High football head coach Ronnie Watson. His wishin’ and hopin’ has come to his program in the way of senior kicker David Faulk who is undertaking his first experience with football after several years as an elite soccer player.
“David has been a great addition to our program this year. He’s a very motivated and hardworking individual,” said Watson. “I just wish we had him for the last three years.”
How the senior soccer player for the Senators arrived on the Class 7A school’s football team is one of chance. Faulk said of the moment he arrived at the idea of facing the serious challenge of joining his first football team, “At our last soccer practice in the spring, assistant football coach Walter Jones came out to our practice session and asked who wanted to kick on the football team. I decided to try out and during that session I kicked three consecutive field goals and the coaches told me I had a place on the team.”
Once officially welcomed to the squad, the 17-year old Faulk began traveling to Birmingham to receive one-on-one training from former UAB and NFL kicker Ty Long who took Faulk’s natural kicking ability, refined Faulk’s techniques and guided his top student to utilizing strength and technique to perfection.
“Hard work during the summer months with the team and on my own has been rewarding as focused on strength training of my kicking leg with countless squats and hip movements that allow me to use my hips and clear out so I can go through the ball,” said Faulk.
On the football field, the 6-foot-1, 190-pound Faulk has pounded the football on a consistent basis from 45 yards. His longest kick was from 55 yards out and he said he had a couple yards to spare.
“I run a lot to help strengthen my legs as I do many of those trips at school or in my neighborhood near Cliff Farms,” said Faulk.
Being a two-sport high school athlete can present intriguing scheduling talent. For Faulk, he continues to play for his club soccer team the NASC U-19 where he’s a team captain. He attends practices on Monday-Wednesday-Thursday at 7:00 p.m. at the Merrimack Soccer Complex in Huntsville. He practices football Monday-Thursday after school with games on Friday nights. As for his weekends, Faulk said his schedule varies as he may have soccer scrimmages and then he rests.
He began soccer 13 years ago playing for the local YMCA leagues, then league play at both Palmer Park and Dublin Memorial Park. “I tried baseball, basketball and even archery, but I knew soccer was my sport as I won numerous medals for my good play in the youth leagues, which I still have on display in my bedroom,” said Faulk, who goes by the nickname “D-4” as his given name is Edward David Faulk IV. He will play his fourth season on the Sparkman soccer team in the spring.
An excellent student in the classroom with a 3.3 grade point average, Faulk is also a member of several school clubs including FCA and the Jr. Civitan Club. His outgoing personality even presented him the opportunity to be a guest TV weatherman on the Kid’s Segment on WAFF-Channel 48. He likes the public and has taken public speaking classes to help in his endeavors in school, which he hopes will turn into a possible scholarship for college where he would like to pursue a degree in business and marketing.
“Whether it’s on the field, in the classroom or extras outside of school, David is a great young man,” added Watson of his star kicker. “His motivation and dedication to succeed is contagious.”
“I like football as it’s very challenging,” added Faulk. “I love the atmosphere. I love the fact if you miss a kick there is no make-up kick. That fact makes me a better kicker.”
