SPARTAN SPORTS STAFF
JAMES ZIAJA
OWNER & PRESIDENT
DWAYNE MISTER
BOY'S COORDINATOR
Chris Short, Director of Communications
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.
Rich Ward
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.
tim reamer
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.