Sparky McEwen is continuing to build a football program here at Davenport University. He just finished his third year as head coach of the Panthers and his teams are known for their grit and toughness. Those traits among several others are instilled into the student-athletes by McEwen, who can thank his stops along the way. This portion of "DU Believe it or Not" focuses on McEwen's professional endeavors and the lessons that molded him into becoming someone that can run a successful program and produce top-end talent through his knowledge of what it takes to be successful in the professional ranks.
 
McEwen cut his teeth in the college game at Ferris State University where he was a four-year starter for the Bulldogs from 1987-90. He took over at Grand Rapids Creston High School in 1996 and revive his alma mater and more. The Polar Bears in just a few short years made an appearance in the 1999 MHSAA Division 3 state championship game and narrowly lost to Farmington Hills Harrison, 42-35.
 
McEwen got his golden opportunity as the Grand Rapids Rampage was forming in the Arena Football League and playing games in the Van Andel Arena. It would start a decade long partnership for McEwen as he suited up as quarterback in 1998 even as he was coaching at Creston. In 2001, McEwen was named Offensive Coordinator for the Rampage and guided a high-powered offense to the ArenaBowl XV World Championship. His offenses scored more points than any other team in the league during a three-year span under his direction.
 
In 2004, Sparky became the Assistant Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator in Oklahoma City for the Yard Dawgz. He guided the expansion team to numerous offensive records and their first-ever playoff appearance. McEwen returned to Grand Rapids and became head coach of the Rampage from 2005-08 and assisted in turning around the struggling franchise. The Rampage were 1-15 the season before his arrival and won 13 games over the next three seasons. McEwen made his way back to OKC for the Yard Dawgz in 2009 as head coach and got them back into the playoffs after a two-year hiatus with a 7-5 record.