SPARTAN SPORTS STAFF

JAMES ZIAJA

OWNER & PRESIDENT

DWAYNE MISTER

BOY'S COORDINATOR

Chris Short is responsible for the communications efforts for Spartan Sports Beyond Hoops, the non-profit component of Spartan Sports Inc. With more than 30 years of experience in developing external and internal communications strategies for companies large and small, he oversees public relations, social media, and promotion for charitable organizations.

In his most recent role, Short led Pinnacle Fit Clubs (one of the largest Planet Fitness franchisees) communications efforts. Prior to that, he worked at several different companies and PR agencies over the course of his career where he managed dozens of sports focused communications campaigns including projects with the Chicago Bulls, Chicago White Sox, Ditka’s Gridiron Greats (Super Bowl media row) and several other major sports franchises and collegiate organizations given him an excellent understanding of the world of sport PR.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Short also coached travel basketball, baseball, and football for over a dozen years and was one of the first coaches in Spartans basketball history leading teams to multiple championships during that time.

He earned his Bachelor of Science in Public Relations from Illinois State University. He has been a guest lecturer in communications classes at the University of Kentucky and Illinois State University. Short currently resides in Park Ridge, IL.

I have been coaching Spartans 8th & 9th grade Silver and Gold teams for 2 years.  I started my basketball career at Homewood Flossmoor High School from 1998-2001 then I joined the United States Marines and played travel basketball on the USMC Travel Team from 2002-2004.  

Graduated from Taft in 2012 with All-Conference and All-City honors

Went on to play in college at Benedictine University where in he was Captain of the 2016 National Runner-Up Team (31-1 record)

Was an NCAA Elite 90 Award Recipient 2016

After college signed to Aris Basketball Club in Greece (FIBA Europe)

Girl's Varsity Assistant Coach and JV Coach at Taft H.S.

(2016-17)

Boy's varsity Assistant Coach and JV Coach at Taft H.S.

(2017-2020)

Started Spartans Basketball High School level coaching in 2020.

Jacob Dillon has been coaching since 2017. He played high school basketball at Von Steuben Metropolitan High School in Chicago, IL. A former Spartans Sports player, he has been coaching with the program since 2019.

He is a Gold Licensed USA Basketball Coach and has trained multiple players ranging from ages 10-17. He coaches our Jv silver , and 8th grade gold teams. He also coaches our 8th grade Elite team that participates in Exposure Tournaments. Ny2LA, Prep Hoops , Etc.

Coach Stewart played basketball at Von Steuben High school where he has over 3 years of coaching experience. He is also Currently assisting on the coaching staff for the Ohio Wesleyan University Men’s Basketball team while earning his bachelor’s degree.

Leo Sherrod, has been coaching with the Spartans program for the past 3 years. He played high school basketball at Notre Dame College Prep in Niles, IL and has over 11 years of playing experience. Leo started as an assistant coach with Spartans Basketball and now serves as a Head coach.

He currently leads one of our 6th-7th Grade Silver teams, helping young athletes develop their fundamentals, confidence, and love for the game.